Bid to bring virtual power plants to the masses kicks off in Australia

Australian solar tech company ShineHub will partner with global digital energy platform provider Amp X to design a virtual power plant platform tailored to everyone from utilities to residential customers.

The new partnership, announced this week, aims to provide a one-stop shop for “whole-of-system” digital energy solutions to the increasingly acute energy challenges being faced by businesses and households across Australia.

The two companies will also structure asset financing through a ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ model to ensure that virtual power plant solutions are affordable for a broad range of potential customers.

ShineHub founder and CEO Alex Georgiou says the “first-of-its-kind offering” in the Australian market will combine the behind-the-meter battery and software strengths of ShineHub with the disruptive “grid-edge capabilities” of Amp X.

“This is about harnessing the world class energy technology and experience of two leading providers to address the needs of local Australian operators and customers of all sizes,” Georgiou said.

“Together, utilising world leading technology, we’re able to tailor a full service digital solution to both entire communities and to large grid scale networks incorporating generation and storage assets that also potentially incorporates hydrogen production.”

Grid operators will also be able to make use of a suite of services which enable dynamic shaping of demand to help meet frequency stability challenges.

Meanwhile, customers will be able to make use of an energy management solution that helps to save money while providing greater system security and flexibility.

The partnership also provides Amp X with a broader strategic presence within the Australian National Energy Market. The UK-based company is also working with WA solar and battery provider, Plico, to establish a VPP in Western Australia.

Amp X exectuive vice president Irene Di Martino says the partnership is about helping to manage Australia’s rapidly evolving energy transition, empowering consumers, and offering grid services to enhance system security.

“Leveraging a unique customer-centric technology to unlock and maximise behind-the meter flexibility, Amp X will work with ShineHub to deliver a secure, reliable means of integrating large volumes of affordable, renewable energy into the National Energy Market.”