Energy Minister Bill Johnston today released the Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap, produced by the McGowan Government’s Energy Transformation Taskforce.
Rooftop solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles and microgrids are transforming Western Australia’s electricity system. These small-scale devices, known as Distributed Energy Resources (DER), present challenges and opportunities for the way we produce, manage and consume electricity in our State.
Almost one in three households in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) have rooftop solar, and this is expected to reach one in two over the next decade.
The Roadmap outlines the actions we must take over the next five years in order to meet these challenges and harness the potential for cleaner, more affordable energy.
Its work is essential to ensure Western Australians can continue to install and enjoy the benefits of rooftop solar and new energy technologies.
Actions will include pilots to determine the best ways to overcome technical, regulatory and market barriers to integrate DER into our grid, including additional community batteries.
Energy Policy WA, Western Power, Horizon Power, Synergy and the Australian Energy Market Operator are working together to implement this Roadmap.
Alongside the delivery of the Roadmap, the State Government is working with the energy sector to carefully monitor any impacts COVID-19 is having on the power system.
For more information, visit https://brighterenergyfuture.wa.gov.au
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“The McGowan Government is on the front foot, looking at how we can improve our power system and continue to make the most of solar energy.
“The actions in the Roadmap will allow us to keep feeding more renewable energy into the grid for the benefit of all Western Australians. It is a robust plan for a brighter energy future.
“Building a responsive and resilient power system will allow us to successfully manage risks over time – COVID-19 is a timely reminder of the importance of this.”
As stated by Energy Transformation Taskforce chairperson Stephen Edwell:
“A major transformation of Western Australia’s electricity sector is underway.
“Rooftop solar is a great source of power, but changes are needed to ensure that it helps, rather than hinders the operation of our energy supply system.
“Households and businesses can help make the most of our abundant solar generation by moving some of their electricity use from the evening to the middle of the day.”
Minister’s office – 6552 6700
