Australia is leading the world in rooftop solar per capita with one in four homes across the country having adopted residential photovoltaics (PV). As a consequence, we are also on track to have the most decentralised electricity network in the world in coming years.  This rapid uptake of solar PV, as well as a range of other renewable energy technologies, referred to as Distributed energy resources, requires a nation-wide approach to the development of technical standards to ensure that these technologies can be integrated into the energy system for the benefit of all energy users.

A team at the ANU Battery Storage and Grid Integration Program (BSGIP), led by Professor Lachlan Blackhall, are working on a joint initiative to support this integration and support the energy transition in Australia. 

The Distributed Energy Integration Program (DEIP) is a collaboration of government agencies, market authorities, industry and consumer associations, working together to maximise the value of “behind the meter” renewable energy technologies.

In particular, technical standards and common protocols are required to harness the ability of these new DER technologies to integrate with network and market systems, to ensure a reliable, secure and resilient energy supply.  In August, DEIP facilitated the release of The Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP) – Australia - an implementation guide that enables technology systems, devices and software to “talk to each other”.

“CSIP is the culmination of over two years of work facilitated through the DEIP, which has seen major players in the energy sector come together and agree on a common set of standards and protocols for integrating DER,” said Professor Blackhall.

CSIP is one of the key enablers for supporting the reforms outlined in the Energy Security Board’s Post 2025 Market Design Final Advice to Ministers.