Utility-scale and household batteries are significantly reducing demand on the South Australian grid a new report shows. According to data released by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), Tesla’s world-leading ‘big battery’ and the SA government’s household battery rebate scheme are helping to reduce power prices in the state.
The second phase of the Tesla virtual power plant (VPP) in South Australia will now network a further one thousand low-income households. Solar panels and Tesla Powerwall 2 solar batteries will be installed free of charge in selected Housing SA properties.
The Queensland solar battery grants and loans scheme has been so successful that the state government is expanding it. The scheme, introduced in November, comprises offers of interest-free loans of up to $10,000 and grants of $3,000 to purchase solar batteries or solar-battery systems. The offer applies to 1,500 applicants, including households and small businesses.
Residents in the Western Australia port city of Fremantle will soon be able to trade solar energy using a blockchain-enabled platform. Around forty households in the WA city will take part in the peer-to-peer clean energy trading RENeW Nexus trial, which was announced in late 2017.