Energy Queensland partners with GreenSync to create 'virtual power plant'

Energy Queensland’s Energy Services division is partnering with GreenSync to create what has been described as Australia’s biggest virtual power plant, launched by Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt at the Powering North Queensland Summit in Townsville last week.

Pitt said the virtual power plant is a cloud-based load control system created to manage extreme electricity demand during severe temperature events. He said, “This virtual power plant system will have a positive impact on the affordability, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply during these severe events.”

According to Pitt, the partnership between Energy Queensland and GreenSync creates a view to putting downward pressure on the cost of electricity for customers, with a particular focus on helping businesses manage their input costs. “In doing this,” he said, “Energy Queensland is helping make businesses more competitive while also stimulating the economy.”

Pitt said the deployment of this technology over the coming months and years is going to require a significant workforce for installation, with the majority of work being completed by local small businesses and Energy Queensland’s internal labour force. The partnership will thus actively create new jobs in Queensland, with up to 10 new roles being formed in Townsville for the initiative.

Energy Queensland Executive General Manager for Energy Services Charles Rattray said the long-term partnership between Energy Queensland and GreenSync will allow Energy Services to innovate and deliver the best possible solutions for customers.

“Under this partnership, we are enrolling customers into the virtual power plant platform ahead of peak summer demand,” he said.

“This innovative approach will also increase network resilience through increased automation and speed of response, grouping assets as portfolios to react to challenges and seize opportunities.”

GreenSync CEO Phil Blythe said it was great to see Energy Queensland looking to create innovative solutions for distributed energy across Queensland, stating, “The application of GreenSync’s technology is going to underpin the broader strategy for Energy Queensland and set the foundation for their energy future.

“This is a significant project for the people of Queensland and we’re thrilled to be working with Energy Services. With the rise of solar and battery storage, this partnership is going to better harness distributed energy resources and deliver increased benefits for the community and the grid as a whole.”