Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell has welcomed Ausgrid's trial of new energy distribution technology in his electorate.
Ausgrid has installed its first pole-mounted battery at Lorn in Maitland, in a trial that will look at the viability of small pole-top batteries to support the network during peak demand or high solar export times.
The trial will improve the understanding of the customer benefits and technical challenges of deploying small-scale batteries in overhead network areas, complementing Ausgrid's larger community battery program.
The trial outcomes will build on the understanding of the range of solutions to support growth of renewable energy in our networks, while also demonstrating the ability to improve network hosting capacity, reduce voltage imbalance, and manage peak loads.
"I thank Ausgrid for including Lorn in the trial which forms part of the energy network transformation of electricity distribution for our homes and businesses," Mr Layzell said.
"I believe it will help build consumer confidence by allowing users to experience the local storage which can be built into the distribution system to act like a 'pressure valve' or 'shock absorber' enabling continuity of supply especially during periods of high network activity."
Ausgrid's Executive General Manager of Asset Management, Junayd Hollis,
said if successful, the pole-top battery systems could avoid the need for more extensive network augmentation.
"Pole-top batteries will play a crucial role in integrating more renewable energy into the grid. They can store excess energy generated during periods of high production and release it during times of low production or high demand," Mr Hollis said.
"The system will provide localised energy storage and grid support, helping to support more efficient and reliable electrical infrastructure while facilitating the transition to net zero."
The trial pole-top batteries, manufactured by EcoJoule Energy, will support all properties connected to the local distribution network, with the first trial locations in Lorn, Newcastle, and the Central Coast.
