Queensland has experienced widespread power outages following storm events, with tens of thousands of residents affected and some areas without power for several days. These blackouts have resulted in significant inconvenience and financial loss for individuals, such as an estimated $200 worth of food spoilage and challenges for elderly residents relying on lifts in apartment buildings.
Grid Vulnerability and Expert Warnings
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) previously issued warnings regarding Queensland's susceptibility to blackouts due to "short-term" challenges and a "reliability gap" in energy supplies. Experts indicate that climate change is projected to increase the intensity of storms, further stressing Australia's electricity grid, which is characterized as "long, lean, and sparsely" connected and therefore vulnerable to natural disasters.
Proposed Solutions: Smart Grids and Microgrids
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), led by Associate Professor Yateendra Mishra, are investigating "smart grids" as a solution. These systems integrate technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and batteries to enhance grid management and expedite power restoration after outages. Key proposals include:
- Microgrids: Small, battery-powered sections of the network that can operate independently, allowing for quicker power restoration in localized areas.
- Community Batteries: Strategically placed large battery systems that can store excess power from rooftop solar generation to manage peak demand and provide support during outages.
- AI for Prediction: Utilizing AI to improve predictions of storm impacts and potential outages.
Current Implementation and Future Outlook
Energy Queensland, the entity managing the state's electricity networks, is in the initial phases of trialling microgrid projects in remote communities such as Mossman Gorge and Jumbun. These microgrids aim to enhance local community resilience by enabling "islanded mode" operation during network issues. The company is also installing additional community batteries across its networks to manage solar generation and grid load.
While microgrids are being considered primarily for remote or fringe-of-grid locations due to demand and load requirements, their use in capital cities like Brisbane is deemed unlikely at present. Energy Queensland is also exploring the future application of AI to further improve network resilience.