INDUSTRY NEWS: Virtual Battery Trial in Queensland

Queensland is testing the use of neighbourhood batteries to make better use of solar energy and ease pressure on the power grid. In Ipswich, Origin Energy and Energex are running a trial with 35 neighborhood batteries, including pole-mounted and ground-level units. Residents can opt-in to use a portion of a battery’s storage, making it a “virtual” battery of sorts.

These batteries store extra solar power generated during the day and release it during peak times. The goal is to reduce grid congestion, lower energy costs, and improve how renewable energy is used. This trial is part of a larger effort to support the growing number of rooftop solar systems in the state.

You can read about the program on on Origin’s website. There is also some interesting commentary on this blog page.