Onslow distributed energy resource microgrid

The project is being delivered by Horizon Power and will be predominantly funded through a State Development Agreement between Chevron Australia Pty Ltd (Chevron) and the Western Australian Government.

New era of energy competition and efficiency

The Onslow microgrid will include a mix of distributed renewables, modular gas powered generation and battery storage aimed at achieving a high level of renewable energy across the town.

These distributed resources will be accessible to both residential and business customers and create a new era of energy competition and efficiency not previously experienced by residential and business customers.

The project includes construction of backbone infrastructure, including:

• a new transmission line, zone substation and distribution network extension; and

• a gas-fired modular power station that is designed to be able to efficiently contract in size as the renewable energy contribution increases, or expand to meet future growth requirements.

The ability to economically accommodate high percentages of distributed renewable energy is an enabling feature of the DER Microgrid, leveraging off the Government’s recent investment in Advanced Metering Infrastructure in the town.

The advanced meters are anticipated to play an important part in optimising the available renewable energy.

Reliability and power quality will be front of mind as the contemporary system evolves.

Onslow is set to be the home of Australia’s largest distributed energy resource microgrid which will target greater than 50 per cent of the town’s electricity needs to be serviced from renewable energy sources.

Timeline

2011 As part of the State Development Agreement for its Wheatstone Project, Chevron Australia commits to providing power infrastructure to meet future energy needs.

2012 The State Government announces independent funding of the Network Extension Project, which involves extending the distribution network to facilitate the connection of the new power infrastructure and the existing town network including the new LandCorp residential subdivision.

Oct 2014 Horizon Power installs a temporary diesel fired generator to support the town’s growth.

Jan 2015 Horizon Power upgrades existing gas infrastructure and commissions three temporary gasfired generators to support the town’s growth while land tenure for the new infrastructure is secured.

Aug 2016 Horizon Power, Chevron Australia and the State Government agree on plans to construct a contemporary distributed energy resource microgrid in Onslow to be built by Horizon Power.

Jan 2018 Backbone power infrastructure complete.

Jan 2019 Solar farm complete.

2017 – 2020 DER is deployed to complement the installed power infrastructure.

More Information

For more information email craig.deetlefs@horizonpower.com.au

Why DER microgrids?

DER microgrids provide more cost effective energy solutions compared with traditional power stations. They offer a lower cost of energy, potential for higher levels of reliability and greater consumer independence. The use of renewable distributed energy generation technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) can also provide a significant environmental benefit.

Why Onslow?

Faced with increased demand for energy in Onslow, driven by population movements and resource developments, Horizon Power has worked with the Department of State Development and Chevron Australia to deliver a contemporary energy solution which meets the ongoing energy needs of the town, whilst ensuring any new power infrastructure takes advantage of the price reduction in renewable and battery storage technology.

Benefits for Onslow residents of a DER Microgrid• Improved reliability of power supplies

• Reduced carbon footprint

• Satisfies customer and market demand for renewable energy and storage

• Greater control and independence for customers

• Expandable to meet future demand requirements

• Reduced noise levels

• Community involvement in renewable energy initiatives

What is a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) microgrid?

Distributed Energy Resources (DER) are located away from the central power station and feed energy into the microgrid.. Today’s most common form of DER would be roof top solar, but may also include battery storage devices and wind and other distributed generation technologies. As an intelligent network, the microgrid will also benefit from the integration of smart devices and appliances such as pumps, air conditioners, water heaters and, in the future, electric vehicles. DER can be combined to complement the main grid in meeting demand.

A DER Microgrid is able to deliver more cost effective and environmentally friendly energy compared to conventional generation. The DER microgrid can also offer greater potential for consumer participation.

Why Horizon Power?

Horizon Power is a world leading energy provider with significant expertise and experience in managing microgrids in remote areas.

Horizon Power currently holds one of the world’s largest portfolios of remote microgrids and maintains an active and disciplined investment program aimed at improving microgrid efficiency through smart and focussed innovation. Leveraging off an enviable reputation as a trusted advisor for its customers, coupled with a depth of experience and capability, Horizon Power’s Microgrid Operating Platform, built around Distributed Energy Resources or DER, leverages the value of diverse information sources and a localised operating model that offer significant value to customers and stakeholders alike.

Business as usual

Centralised Generation

DER Microgrid

Modular Generation

Multi-flow network

Intelligent system control

High penetration renewable energy

and storage

Intelligent consumer services

Stand-alone power systems

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621Find us on

www.horizonpower.com.au