As utilities transition to the use of renewable fuels they are confronted with enormous challenges, like how to connect these new energy sources to the grid. Horizon Power Managing Director, Frank Tudor, explains how the utility has digitised its operations and benefited from adding more low emission technologies to its energy mix.
Ahead of his presentation at Digital Utilities 2018, running from 19-20 April in Melbourne, Mr Tudor said Horizon Power has researched and implemented new technologies and initiatives to meet Australia’s future energy needs head on.
“Horizon Power recognises the digitisation of its operations, assets and processes as a strategic priority,” Mr Tudor said.
“Our strategy outlines the shift we want to see from traditional energy infrastructure to a digitised and distributed network that embraces the future.”
Mr Tudor said incorporating renewables like wind and solar into the grid, along with fast-ramping natural gas, smart and dynamic market designs, improved forecasting and integrated load control systems will lead to a cleaner, cheaper, more reliable grid.
“Technological innovation is critical to ensure orchestration, balance and system security can be maintained across our networks,” Mr Tudor said.
An early adopter of new technology
Horizon Power is exploring and incorporating a huge number of leading innovations as it adapts to the changes in the sector.
“Horizon Power recognises the key enablers to a digital future for networks will be both new technologies, as well as embedding a culture of innovation,” Mr Tudor said.
The utility has pioneered the delivery of solutions such as generation and feed-in management solutions that will allow increased levels of renewable energy to be embedded into existing networks.
“We are aiming to optimise the performance of the network, and include ancillary services, voltage control and self-sustaining microgrid functionality as part of normal operations,” Mr Tudor said.
Horizon Power also led the way in 2012 in developing regionally differentiated pricing for its Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme to incentivise the uptake of distributed generation on a local basis, with Ergon Energy in Queensland and Power and Water in the Northern Territory now adopting similar systems to help manage solar consumption in their regional power networks.
“We are also leading the way again with the trial of different types of generation management, which will allow more customers to install rooftop solar and provide opportunities to orchestrate distributed resources across the network,” Mr Tudor said.
Mr Tudor said innovation is key to longevity in the sector and that going forward networks will need to manage the broader digitisation of economies and lifestyles.
Is the digitisation of your operations, assets and processes a strategic priority?
Hear more from Frank Tudor about how your utility can embrace the new energy future at Digital Utilities 2018, running from 19-20 April at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne.
To register, visit www.digitalutilities.com.au.
