Local der Network Solutions

In 2023, over 3.36 million photovoltaic systems have already been installed across Australia, with a combined capacity of over 29.7 gigawatts. Future energy systems are becoming more decentralised, and many traditional electricity users are no longer just power consumers, they are prosumers. This transition implies that conventional electricity users will no longer just be buying power from the grid-they will also sell power, either to the grid, their neighbours or their retailer. The...
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In 2023, over 3.36 million photovoltaic systems have already been installed across Australia, with a combined capacity of over 29.7 gigawatts. Future energy systems are becoming more decentralised, and many traditional electricity users are no longer just power consumers, they are prosumers. This transition implies that conventional electricity users will no longer just be buying power from the grid-they will also sell power, either to the grid, their neighbours or their retailer. The backbone of such a transition has been energy storage technologies, in particular batteries. As prices of batteries come down, the number of solar households with batteries will increase. Using batteries will offer customers greater choices and flexibility in how they consume the energy they generate and how they potentially export their power to others.At the same time, existing distribution networks of the grid are experiencing severe problems due to the high penetration of distributed renewable energy sources. These challenges can be overcome through the use of novel power system models such as microgrids, smart-grid technologies, and innovative business and ownership models. This opportunity assessment aimed to identify the knowledge gaps in relation to the growth of renewable energy in local distribution networks that require attention from the research community.