We’re working to deliver cleaner and sustainable renewable energy across WA’s regions
As more and more households, businesses and organisations take up solar power, we need to make sure our systems can manage higher levels of renewable energy. We’re exploring new technology and energy innovations as we work to make sure our power supply stays as stable and reliable as possible.
The impact of renewable energy
Renewable energy is a cleaner, greener way of producing electricity - but it also has an impact on our energy system as a whole.
Traditional electricity
Systems were originally built for a one-way flow of power, where electricity is generated from a central source, such as a coal-fired power station
Renewable energy
Connecting rooftop solar introduces a two-way flow of power, where solar energy systems can send excess solar energy back into the electricity grid
Explore our energy trials and projects
Our Smart Sun program in Broome was an industry-first for regional Australia. The pilot showed that using the right energy solutions can lower the cost of installing renewable infrastructure by up to 30%, and saved participants on average $2,500 per year off their energy costs. We also reduced 72 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by powering homes with renewable energy.
One of the biggest challenges with renewables is weather variability and how weather events, such as cloud movements, can impact solar electricity generation. We have worked with a group of Carnarvon customers, in partnership with Murdoch University and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, to meet this challenge and make sure our renewable energy supply is as reliable as possible.
The Onslow DERMS Project is the largest of its kind in Australia. In May 2021, Horizon Power completed a world-first demonstration in advanced microgrid control technology and a DERMS to successfully power the Onslow microgrid with 100% renewable energy during an 80-minute trial.
The impact of renewable energy
Renewable energy is a cleaner, greener way of producing electricity - but it also has an impact on our energy system as a whole.
While the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) has a greater capacity to accommodate rooftop solar, our microgrid systems are much smaller. This means our grids are more sensitive to the impact of connecting renewables. When too many renewable energy sources are connected to the grid, it can impact the stability and reliability of the network.
This is why we have a limit on how much rooftop solar can be connected to each of our grids, and why these limits change for each town.
Traditional electricity
Systems were originally built for a one-way flow of power, where electricity is generated from a central source, such as a coal-fired power station
Renewable energy
Connecting rooftop solar introduces a two-way flow of power, where solar energy systems can send excess solar energy back into the electricity grid
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.