A proposal for the first Virtual Power Plant in the Goldfields has been announced by the Western Australian Government, with planning for land access for future large-scale solar developments on the horizon.
The WA Government continues to maintain its election commitment to investigate the potential for a major solar project in the Goldfields. The government has invested $500,000 towards a proposal for a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) trial and to make land available for future large-scale renewable energy developments in the region.
A Virtual Power Plant is a distributed rooftop solar and battery system which collects energy that can be dispatched in a similar way to a centralised power station. The Goldfields was chosen as a viable location for the Virtual Power Plant for its year-round high solar energy levels, large amounts of undeveloped land and high industrial demand for electricity.
“Despite the Goldfields being an obvious location for a major solar project with year-round high solar energy levels, input to the electricity grid in the region needs to be carefully managed,” commented Energy Minister, Ben Wyatt.
“The trial of a Virtual Power Plant in the Goldfields is an exciting prospect that has the potential to assess how innovative technologies can help manage some network challenges in the region,” Wyatt said.
The proposal will consider the installation of a Virtual Power Plant on Kalgoorlie-Boulder properties, (which may include public housing), in aims to reduce electricity bills for residents. The Virtual Power Plant is also set to provide more energy to the Goldfield region in aims of improving energy reliability, a fundamental element in enabling the economic development and growth of the region.
After a preliminary assessment earlier this year by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, a Virtual Power Plant was decided as the best choice of action to bring renewable energy, innovative technology, and network support to the region. The assessment involved extensive consultation with local industry, energy groups, mining companies, solar developers and relevant government agencies. Making land available for the development of similar renewable projects are also planned to coincide with the implementation of WA network regulation changes in 2022.
“A VPP has the potential to achieve multiple positive outcomes, including increasing the amount of energy available in the Goldfields, trialling innovative power technologies, supporting grid stability and management strategies, and helping WA move forward on emissions reduction. We look forward to working with industry and other stakeholders on building the best model for the region,” said Regional Development Minister, Alannah MacTiernan on the matter.
“Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the wider region is a big economic contributor to the State. Future renewable energy solutions will be a priority to securing regional growth and servicing the needs of this growing regional population,” she said.