A new series of Australian grid edge innovation case studies will be released today as part of a national energy forum in Sydney.

Today’s Welcome to the Grid Edge seminar will include presentations from the new CEO of the Australian Energy Market Operator, Audrey Zibelman, and the designer of a world-leading New York MicroGrid project, LO3 Energy’s Lawrence Orsini.

CEO of Horizon Power in Western Australia, Frank Tudor, will also address the seminar. Horizon Power services the biggest area with the least amount of customers in the world and is in a unique position as an operator of 32 MicroGrids.

The Energy Networks Australia event will showcase examples of innovation led by Australian Energy Networks through the release of a new publication. ‘Welcome to the Grid Edge: MicroGrids, Distributed Energy Precincts and Grid Edge innovation’ is available here and includes 13 Australian case studies.

Energy Networks Australia CEO John Bradley said grid edge technologies are allowing customers to participate in the energy system like never before.

“Communities are now able to form MicroGrids or mini grids which may be self-sufficient, or exchange services with the grid for mutual benefit with the wider community,” Mr Bradley said.

“In remote communities, MicroGrids, remote area power supplies and stand-alone power systems can prove to be more reliable and cost effective – but we need to ensure regulatory rules allow them to be deployed.

“These systems can also allow power to be restored to communities more quickly after natural disasters such as Cyclone Debbie in March this year.

“Used effectively, edge of grid applications can ensure reliability of the grid, maintain power quality and help avoid costly network augmentations.

“This publication highlights just a few examples of how network businesses are working with communities to provide customers with affordable, secure and cleaner energy in an increasingly decentralised and dynamic energy system.”

The Welcome to the Grid Edge seminar will be held today, Wednesday 10 May 2017, at Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney.

The program is available here.

Media can register their attendance by contacting Taryn Bevege tbevege@energynetworks.com.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Taryn Bevege (02) 6272 1524 or 0447569029

Energy Networks Australia represents Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution networks and gas distribution networks. Our members provide energy to virtually every household and business in Australia.