The McGowan Government continues to lead Australia in the deployment of standalone power systems (SPS), by launching Boundary Power – a joint venture between Horizon Power and leading power and control solutions specialist Ampcontrol.
The joint venture signifies the State Government’s next step towards building a world-class SPS industry in Western Australia. SPS is an off-the-grid electricity source that typically includes solar panels, batteries, inverters and a back-up generator.
Horizon Power was the first utility in Australia to demonstrate the commercial viability of SPS as an alternative to replacing aging poles and wires.
Working with Ampcontrol, Horizon Power deployed 17 SPS in 2019 on edge-of-grid customer properties east of Esperance, and facilitated the removal of 64km of poles and wire.
To mark today’s joint venture, Boundary Power unveiled its new, modular SPS Gen 2, which is easier to transport and install, and can be ready to export energy in just 90 minutes.
The McGowan Government’s $10 million investment in deploying SPS across regional WA is scheduled to kick off mid-February, with the first of 45 units installed in Esperance.
Four will be installed near Kununurra in the Kimberley, one near Karratha in the Pilbara, seven in the Mid-West region and 33 in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
This follows last week’s announcement, where $17 million worth of contracts were awarded to local businesses to deploy 98 SPS throughout Western Power’s network.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“Congratulations to Horizon Power and Ampcontrol on their joint venture, which will allow them to design and install SPS solutions across Australia.
“Western Australia continues be a world-leader in SPS technology, which is one of the reasons why the State Government is working with industry to capitalise on this emerging market.
“Boundary Power’s SPS Gen 2 brings together Horizon Power and Ampcontrol’s market-leading knowledge and expertise, and I look forward to the successful roll out this year.”
