Western Australia has become the latest state to trial solar farming at schools, with the launch of a second round of pilot projects.
As work gets underway on Project Symphony, WA’s largest virtual power plant (VPP) pilot in the suburbs of Harrisdale, Piara Waters and Forrestdale in Perth, the Schools VPP Pilot Project is testing the concept at a level that could have benefits for more remote areas.
Seven regional schools in Geraldton, Kalbarri and Kalgoorlie will join 10 other schools that are already part of the school pilot project.
“The Schools Virtual Power Plant Pilot Project has the potential to play a major role in Western Australia’s energy transformation,” WA Energy Minister Bill Johnston says.
“As the first VPP in WA, it will support a blueprint for this kind of capability and technology into the future.”
Cosmos Explainer: What is the grid?
Virtual power plants consolidate the excess power generated by household and business solar systems and alternative renewable systems that are mushrooming up around Australia.
The excess power from each household battery is stored to inject into the network when demand is high but supply is low. It aims to improve the reliability and stability of the network.
Australia is already home to some of the world’s largest virtual power plants, such as the Tesla VPP in South Australia.
Do you care about the oceans? Are you interested in scientific developments that affect them? Then our new email newsletter Ultramarine, launching soon, is for you. Click here to become an inaugural subscriber.
Originally published by Cosmos as Schools added to virtual power plants in WA
Marie Low
Marie Low has been a journalist and communications advisor for more than 30 years. She has also worked as a media advisor to state government ministers, headed a government media department and worked within a well-regarded metropolitan communications consultancy as a senior consultant. Her family tree change brought her to Tenterfield and then Gunnedah where she now is one half of Two Cats Creative.
The Greenlight Project is a year-long look at how regional Australia is preparing for and adapting to climate change.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
