Diversification the key to grid resilience

Australia’s energy markets are becoming increasingly complex due to battery storage and rooftop solar, and diversifying the mix of energy sources can ensure the grid remains resilient, according to Dr Michael Ottaviano, CEO and Managing Director of Carnegie Clean Energy.

In his upcoming presentation ‘Magnifying Opportunity through the Diversification of Energy’, on Thursday, 15 June at the Australian Energy Storage Conference*, Dr Michael Ottaviano will discuss the opportunities that diversification can present, as well as an update on the progress of the Energy Made Clean/LendLease EPC joint venture, and other recently delivered remote power projects.

For the last 10 years, Carnegie Energy has been developing utility-scale solar power, wave energy and battery storage, as well as creating off-grid solar/battery/diesel microgrid systems through its acquisition of Energy Made Clean.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen the business case for renewables mature in Australia, from simply being a threat to power incumbents and dismissed as an unnecessary cost, to one where renewables are finally being seen as a solution to high energy costs and able to be part of a reliable, integrated and sustainable future energy solution,” Ottaviano said.

“All power markets are, by definition, complex systems consisting of many generation sources, loads and interconnections. Our energy markets are becoming more complex with the advent of distributed rooftop solar PV and the emerging residential battery market,” he said.

“It stands to reason that a more diverse energy mix, distributed across the network, will lead to a more resilient grid and more choice for consumers.

“The challenge is for the system to emerge in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. The historical approach of centralised planning for a network with centralised power generation is no longer sustainable.”

Flexibility is key in any rapidly developing marketplace, and this is especially true for Australia’s energy markets. Dr Ottaviano believes market rules and planning processes need to be rethought to account not only for today’s energy mix but to anticipate what tomorrow’s technologies will be.

“The ability to make quick decisions and learn from mistakes quickly is probably the most important capability you can have in such a market.”

*The Australian Energy Storage Conference and Exhibition will run from 14–15 June at the new International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney. With the theme ‘Investing in Australia’s Energy Future’ the conference will feature more than 50 Australian and international speakers presenting on the possibilities of storage.

The free-to-attend exhibition will take place alongside the conference and will showcase 50+ leading exhibitors. Not only is the free exhibition the biggest display of battery solutions in Sydney, the exhibition will also provide non-battery energy storage technologies, along with the ever-popular EV and charging zone.

To purchase conference passes, register for the free exhibition, or for more information, visit http://www.australianenergystorage.com.au.