Standalone Power Systems
Standalone power systems (SPS) operate independently from the main electricity network and provide renewable clean energy to a property via solar panels, battery storage and inverter, and a back-up generator.
Initiative progress
In Progress
Western Australia has one of the largest isolated electricity networks in the world, which is why it's important to have a safe, reliable source of power for our regional and remote communities.
The rollout of up to 4,000 SPS by Western Power in the coming decade has commenced, providing a green energy solution with improved power reliability for regional and rural customers while helping to mitigate the risk of bushfires when sections of the overhead network are removed.
To date, 474 kilometres of overhead powerlines have been decommissioned in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and 184 kilometres on Horizon Power’s smaller regional network.
SPS also help reduce grid network maintenance costs, create local jobs and support the transition to cleaner energy.
Key Stats
This innovative solution provides improved power reliability for regional and remote customers and reduces the risk of bushfires starting around traditional poles and wires.
Timeline and Milestones
2016 – In response to Esperance bushfires, Horizon Power connects its first SPS.
2016 – Western Power commences first SPS trial on the SWIS at six farming properties in the Great Southern.
2020 – Electricity Industry Amendment Bill 2019 passed to allow energy operators to use SPS and storage devices as part of the SWIS.
2021 – Announcement of 1,000 SPS to be delivered over five years.
2022 – Western Australia reaches a milestone with 100 SPS deployed. A number of units installed in areas impacted by bushfire.
2022 – Horizon Power partners with Telstra on Australia's first remote mobile communications tower powered by a SPS to bolster resilience of regional telecommunications.
2023 – To date more than 474 kilometres of powerline has been removed on the Western Power network and 184 kilometres on the Horizon Power Network.
How do standalone power systems (SPS) work?
SPS are self-sustaining systems that operate separately from the main power grid. Each SPS includes renewable energy sources such as solar panels (as the main source of power), a battery energy storage system (providing power at night or when the sun isn’t shining), and a backup generator, allowing them to function as fully independent power units.
Solar panels generate energy to power the property and maintain the battery's charge for times when it's needed such as when the sun isn't shining. When the battery's energy level drops, the backup generator comes into action to ensure a continuous supply of energy. SPS is suitable for small to medium sized rural properties to power homes, pumps and shearing sheds.
Safe and reliable power for remote communities
SPS bring advantages not only to rural properties but also have a positive impact on local businesses, workers, communities, and contribute to a more sustainable future for Western Australia.
They are particularly beneficial for regional communities, where supply costs are high and power reliability is impacted by distance, terrain, and severe weather events.
Some of the key SPS benefits include:
Stimulate demand for locally manufactured power systems, including solar panels, batteries, and hydrogen electrolysers.
Reduced bushfire risk: with SPS installed, powerlines and poles in the area become redundant. These are then ‘switched off’ and decommissioned, significantly reducing the risk of bushfire.
More renewables: up to 90 per cent of the SPS electricity comes from solar panels and the solar energy stored in the battery, providing a greener energy source to power homes and businesses.
Job creation: hundreds of local manufacturing jobs, training opportunities and puts WA at the forefront of high-tech industries.
Improved power reliability: power is generated on-site, so customers don’t have to rely on long powerlines for their power supply. Power outages have been reduced by approximately 90 per cent.
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