Isolated networks solar capacity
In isolated communities, the challenges of managing renewable energy integration into our networks are different when compared with our national grid connected networks.
Grid connected systems can face challenges associated with power quality on distribution networks. In isolated networks, the challenges are related to energy load displacement and the intermittent nature of renewable resources, which results in the need to implement power station management strategies.
The two key issues when integrating renewable energy into isolated networks are stability and minimum demand. If isolated power station operating limits are exceeded due to high levels of solar power feeding into the network, widespread power outages can occur in the community.
We need to manage both minimum electricity demand and stability if we are to ensure renewable energy can be reliably integrated. Depending on what level of renewable energy is present, we have varying solutions to manage new renewable connections.
While limiting the exports of proposed solar PV installations may assist in management of these risks, it won’t totally mitigate reliability of electricity supply risks from solar PV installations.
Dynamic solar connections can help us manage these other risks for new renewable energy systems on our isolated networks.
For a copy of the Isolated Network Connection Standards please refer to our Connection information for installers web page and our Standards FAQs document (PDF 160.1 kb).
Dynamic solar PV connections
Dynamic solar PV connections allow us to control the amount of solar PV exported into the network. Having this flexibility means we can adjust the export allowed depending on the network's ability at any given time to accept the solar PV export.
This technology works by allowing near real time integration of the power station and the distributed solar PV installations. The system then responds as required to the various levels of energy loads, or demand.
Using dynamic solar PV connections, we can significantly increase the renewable energy capacity that can be installed on our isolated networks, while still maintaining the reliability of electricity supply to the community.
Solar capacity on our isolated networks
The table below shows the available solar PV hosting capacity remaining on our isolated networks. It can be significantly increased using dynamic solar PV connections technology.
| Communities | Remaining unmanaged solar PV hosting capacity (kVA) | Remaining unmanaged solar PV hosting capacity | Availability of dynamic solar PV connections | Available dynamic solar PV capacity (kVA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurukun | 20 | 20kVA or less remaining | Not available | - |
| Badu (Mulgrave Island) | 70 | More than 20kVA remaining | Not available | - |
| Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon, Seisia and Umagico | 80 | More than 20kVA remaining | Available now | 535 |
| Bedourie | 20 | 20kVA or less remaining | Available now | Contact us for advice |
| Birdsville | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | Contact us for advice |
| Boigu Island | 25 | More than 20kVA remaining | Not available | - |
| Boulia | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | 85 |
| Burketown | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | 270 |
| Camooweal | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | 175 |
| Poruma (Coconut Island) | 20 | 20kVA or less remaining | Not available | - |
| Coen | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | 100 |
| Erub (Darnley Island) | 0 | No capacity remaining | Not available | - |
| Dauan Island | 10 | 20kVA or less remaining | Not available | - |
| Doomadgee | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | 175 |
| Gununa | 110 | More than 20kVA remaining | Not available | - |
| Keriri (Hammond Island) | 15 | 20kVA or less remaining | Not available | - |
| Jundah | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | Contact us for advice |
| Kowanyama | 70 | More than 20kVA remaining | Not available | - |
| Kubin, St. Pauls | 40 | More than 20kVA remaining | Not available | - |
| Lockhart River | 0 | No capacity remaining | Not available | Contact us for advice |
| Gumu (Mabuiag Island) | 20 | 20kVA or less remaining | Not available | - |
| Mapoon | 10 | 20kVA or less remaining | Available now | 115 |
| Mer (Murray Island) | 35 | More than 20kVA remaining | Not available | - |
| Napranum | 0 | No capacity remaining | Not applicable | Not applicable - generation connections subject to Rio Tinto approval |
| Palm Island | 10 | 20kVA or less remaining | Available now | 655 |
| Pormpuraaw | 25 | More than 20kVA remaining | Available now | 90 |
| Saibai Island | 0 | No capacity remaining | Not available | - |
| Ugar (Stephen Island) | 0 | No capacity remaining | Not available | - |
| Thursday Island | 10 | 20kVA or less remaining | Available now | 1500 |
| Warraber (Sue) Island | 20 | 20kVA or less remaining | Not available | - |
| Wasaga | 0 | No capacity remaining | Not available | - |
| Windorah | 0 | No capacity remaining | Available now | 95 |
| Iama (Yam Island) | 25 | More than 20kVA remaining | Not available | - |
| Masig (Yorke Island) | 15 | 20kVA or less remaining | Not available | - |