ARENA Funds GridWise Energy Solutions to Streamline Renewable Energy Integration

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed $336,000 in funding to GridWise Energy Solutions.

This funding will support the development of an innovative online platform designed to accelerate the integration of renewable energy into the national electricity grid.

Dynamic Model Validation Project to Reduce Delays

The $800,000 “Dynamic Model Validation” project will create a standardized, self-assessment tool for renewable energy project developers. This tool will enable developers to validate their generator models before submitting them to network operators and regulators.

Currently, network service providers (NSPs) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) must conduct extensive checks on each new generator model. Multiple parties often duplicate this resource-intensive process, causing significant delays in connecting new solar, wind, and other renewable energy plants to the grid.

Streamlining the Model Validation Process

GridWise’s online validation tool aims to streamline this process by allowing developers to self-validate their models against consistent standards. This pre-screening should reduce rework, avoid duplication, and enable NSPs and AEMO to focus their efforts on more complex technical assessments.

GridWise is developing the software platform in collaboration with Coleman Laboratories, AusNet, and Transgrid. Energy stakeholders will regularly update the tool to reflect evolving standards. After a trial phase, they expect to complete the “Dynamic Model Validation” project by March 2025.

ARENA and Industry Leaders Support Initiative

ARENA CEO Darren Miller expressed the agency’s commitment to working with GridWise to implement the tool, emphasizing its potential to fast-track Australia’s renewable energy transition.

Marie Jordan, Executive General Manager at Transgrid, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve submission quality and maintain system security as New South Wales undergoes a rapid clean energy transformation.

“We are eager to collaborate with ARENA and GridWise throughout the development and implementation of this project,” Jordan stated.