A new R&D centre for energy storage systems for households opened in Cairns (pictured). Image source: Shutterstock (#571761889)
The Australian city of Cairns recently saw the opening of Australia’s biggest residential battery storage trial laboratory by Queensland utility Ergon Energy. The aim of this complex is to test the capabilities of a range of commercially-available home battery storage systems through ‘real world’ trials and lab-based demonstrations. Ergon’s on-site PV arrays and other systems will be used for the analysis of the interaction of battery systems with standard Ergon mains connections and consumer consumption patterns.
State treasurer Curtis Pitt said,”Residential battery energy storage systems are new technology that will impact Ergon’s network and its customers and could be a win-win for both parties. This kind of technology could give customers flexibility to source their power needs more cost effectively, and has the potential to remove peak loads off the network and can increase the value of renewable energy if operated to suit the needs of both parties. This is truly the start of something big. Not only are we proving that this type of world-leading tech research can be pioneered in regional Queensland cities, we are also attracting some of the industry’s brightest minds here to define how we will generate, store and use energy into the future. It’s also about trying to work with new technology developers to get systems that will benefit now and into the future. These trials in Cairns will ensure Ergon has the knowledge to make these systems work for the benefit of all.”
Clean Technica
Why not share this article?
