Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today officially launched Perth's first Virtual Power Plant (VPP) with the unveiling of a commercial-sized battery at Rossmoyne Senior High School.
Rossmoyne, one of the first 10 schools chosen for the project, will soon use the lithium-ion battery to store energy as part of Synergy's Schools VPP pilot program.
A VPP is a network of energy resources such as rooftop solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles that are combined or 'aggregated' and shared with an energy retailer, such as Synergy.
The program is testing how a VPP can help a school better understand and manage its energy use, as well as improve the stability and reliability of the electricity grid.
A science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning component of the program focuses on educating students about the VPP and developing an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for WA's energy future.
The Schools VPP pilot was expanded in August to include an additional six schools in Geraldton and Kalgoorlie and brings the State Government's total investment in the project to $8.8 million.
This initiative is part of the State Government's Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap, transitioning towards a renewable energy future.
For more information, visit https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/For-tomorrow/Schools-VPP-Pilot-Project
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"There is an energy transformation occurring in Western Australia and my Government is investing in the emerging minds of our green energy future through the Schools VPP pilot project.
"The Schools VPP pilot is a step towards storing and distributing renewable energy at a local level.
"The Schools VPP pilot provides the chance for our State to shape future energy sustainability for schools, the community and the main electricity grid."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"The Schools VPP pilot will empower Western Australian students to learn more about science and new technologies.
"Students of today will develop skills through this program that will enable them to thrive in the workforce of the future."
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"As WA's energy industry evolves, we are presented with an opportunity to deliver more sustainable and affordable energy solutions for our local schools.
"This initiative is part of the McGowan Government's Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap, transitioning towards a green, clean energy future."
As stated by Riverton MLA Dr Jagadish (Jags) Krishnan:
"It's an exciting day for the Riverton community, with Rossmoyne Senior High School one of the first schools in WA to become a Virtual Power Plant.
"The pilot program will help the school reduce its electricity bills and also provide a great teaching experience for the students."
