This information has been produced to share the knowledge developed by the Alice Springs Future Grid team and to create a central location to capture the activities of the project.
It details the results of the project through the various sub-projects, as detailed in the graphic below.
SUB-PROJECT 1 – Modelling
This sub-project, led by local professional advisory and technical consultancy firm Ekistica, investigated the technical and economic challenges presented by increased renewable inputs. It also considered the financial impacts of, and the consumer behaviour required, for such a change.
Ekistica also led a wind monitoring study and developed a technoeconomic model, with the resulting analysis used in the Roadmap to 2030 report.
It helped:
- Increase the body of knowledge on wind opportunities in Alice Springs
- Provide insights into the Alice Springs community views of energy
- Improve the dynamic power system model
- Develop a technical and economic analysis on future pathways to enable more renewable energy.
SUB-PROJECT 2 – Commercial microgrid
This sub-project investigated the potential benefits, constraints and considerations that arise when integrating a photovoltaic (PV) (solar panel) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) microgrid on to a constrained power network.
The projectcreated a grid-connected, islandable microgrid on the Desert Knowledge Precinct’s private 22kV network, with the addition of a 300kW/358kWh BESS.
The microgrid deployment and connection process were both successful and informative. The engagement and co-operation of Power and Water, DKA, and other project partners has been beneficial for all project participants and will help inform and improve future projects of a similar nature.
SUB-PROJECT 3 – Community solutions
This sub-project, undertaken by the Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC), worked to harness the previously demonstrated enthusiasm of Alice Springs locals for rooftop solar and engage them in finding solutions to some of the technical challenges the transition to renewable energy creates for the power system.
ALEC delivered the community engagement and communications needed for Sub-project 4 – Tariff Reform, as well as for the overall Alice Springs Future Grid project and the wind monitoring study that was part of Sub-project 1 – Modelling.
SUB-PROJECT 4 – Tariff reform
This sub-project was led by the NT’s government-owned energy retailer Jacana Energy, with support from ALEC under Sub-project 3, and the involvement of other project stakeholders including network owner and operator Power and Water Corporation.
It investigated how tariffs can be used to change customer usage patterns and incentivise the uptake of renewable energy technologies, including solar PV and on-site battery storage. This was done by creating the Solar Connect Virtual Power Plant (VPP) connecting and managing the output of 48 renewable energy systems.
The VPP tested customer’s reactions to different tariff options and explored how the output of their systems into the grid could be managed by the network owner.
SUB-PROJECT 5 – Future grid deployments
Alice Springs network owner and operator Power and Water Corporation (Power and Water) led Sub-project 5. This project considered the technical challenges it faces in trying to achieve the NT Government’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy on the Alice Springs network by 2030.
It investigated factors such as forecasting of solar and network load, undertook a dynamic export trial for sites that are typically limited in the amount of solar power they can export, and explored new operational procedures. The aim was to provide more options for network system control to allow more renewable energy into the system and therefore minimise the amount of non-renewable generation (i.e. gas and diesel) required to meet the town’s power needs.