ARENA allocates $1.7m for CER grid integration project

Proper integration is critical to achieving energy and emissions targets.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has allocated $1.7m to fund Project CICCADA, an initiative by UNSW that aims to better understand the integration of consumer energy resources (CER) into the National Energy Market (NEM).

Under the $4.3m project, real-world datasets from CER will be analysed. This will cover rooftop solar, household batteries, and electric vehicles to help better understand integration challenges.  

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar installations, with nearly 40% of homes equipped with solar panels. Household battery and electric vehicle adoption is also increasing.

ARENA noted that the proper integration of these technologies into the electricity grid is a critical step toward achieving national renewable energy and emissions reduction targets.

“CER technologies present a powerful shift in the way energy is produced. They localise energy generation, give Australians control over their energy footprint, and can potentially help balance supply and demand. This helps ensure communities are less vulnerable to energy disruption,” ARENA acting CEO Chris Faris said.

Project CICCADA will provide insights that can be used by the Australian Energy Market Operator and energy distributors to maintain safe and efficient network operations, as well as improving understanding of CER operations in any condition.