Electric distribution network operator Endeavour Energy has signed an expanded partnership with Israeli firm mPrest to enhance its community battery management software.
The alliance will enable the broader deployment of mPrest’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (mDERMS) software, enabling real-time monitoring and control of Endeavour’s growing fleet of community batteries.
The mDERMS platform can be used across both network assets and customer-owned technologies such as rooftop solar and batteries, with advanced visibility, forecasting and control over local demand, generation and grid constraints.
Endeavour is nearing completion in the rollout of 76 community batteries across 33 suburbs, giving households “access to more affordable, sustainable energy through shared renewable storage”.
“Now is the time for transformative change in the energy landscape, and we are proud to partner with Endeavour Energy to empower communities for a sustainable energy future,” mPrest chief executive officer Natan Barak said.
Endeavour Energy has already deployed mDERMS to oversee its community microgrid and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in Bawley Point and Kioloa on the NSW South Coast in a program that went live in 2023.
This next phase will scale those capabilities to support one of New South Wales’ largest community battery initiatives.
The impact of community batteries
For its community battery expansion, Endeavour has partnered with the federal government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar Program, as well as a second program funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The federal government committed $9.5 million in funding. “We are delivering the largest community battery program in NSW, and this extended partnership with mPrest will further enhance local grid resilience by increasing Customer Energy Resources hosting capacity as well as providing opportunities for retailers and aggregators to design new products and services for our customers,” Endeavour Energy’s general manager of future grid and asset management Colin Crisafulli said.
The Community Batteries for Household Solar Program will deliver 44 community batteries in Warrawong, Dapto, Bidwill, Cabramatta, East Blaxland and Hobartville. ARENA will support the rollout of the remaining 32 batteries.
Once all 76 batteries are deployed, Endeavour expects up to 6000 households to benefit.
The company said it could potentially save individual households up to $400 annually on electricity bills. Additionally, it said that the batteries will improve power quality and provide solar energy and storage access.
Photographs: Supplied
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