|24 February 2017|
Australia
A pioneering online platform where households and businesses can sell their renewable energy to network operators is being trialled in Australia.
The decentralised energy exchange (deX) project is being undertaken by GreenSync with support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Developed through ARENA’s ‘A-Lab’ initiative, it will mean consumers can tap into the full value of their rooftop solar and battery storage systems in a world-first.
“To smoothly transition to a renewable energy future, we need new technologies and markets,” ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said.
“In a win for energy consumers, deX will enable owners of solar and batteries to earn extra money for helping to keep the lights on by participating in the sizeable grid services market.
“Australia has world-leading levels of rooftop solar, however there’s currently no marketplace for consumers to access the full value of these systems.
“deX is a software based marketplace that will for the first time allow households and businesses to trade the grid services their batteries and rooftop solar can provide with their local network operators.
“This could encourage more investment in solar and batteries, supporting the grid, reducing the need for infrastructure investment and ultimately reducing the cost of renewables in Australia.”
GreenSync is developing deX with open-source software and drawing on the capabilities of leading technology businesses, energy start-ups and electricity market participants. The trial could bring grid support trading into everyday utility operations and reduce the cost of these services.
Dr Phil Blythe, Founder and CEO of GreenSync added: “Reliability of the energy system and delivering new value streams to consumers are key priorities driving deX. Homes and businesses will be able to monetise their solar and storage assets by essentially renting them to the grid when they’re most needed. deX will revolutionise peak electricity management and drive more effective investment in energy infrastructure.
