The Albanese Government has launched Project Jupiter, an initiative designed to reduce household energy bills in WA.

The government says the scheme will accelerate the adoption of solar panels and battery storage systems.

Backed by a $20.8 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), Project Jupiter aims to integrate more households into Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). 

These VPPs connect residential solar panels, batteries, and appliances, functioning collectively like a traditional power plant. 

This system allows households to contribute excess energy to the grid, enhancing energy security and earning financial benefits through reduced energy costs.

“The clean energy revolution is happening now and accelerating across Australia with the rollout of innovative technologies like virtual power plants,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen. 

WA’s South West Interconnected System (SWIS) already sees over 40 per cent of households equipped with rooftop solar, with around 30,000 new systems installed annually. Household battery adoption is also on the rise.

“Our state is an ideal place to pioneer the rollout of virtual power plants at scale,” said 

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson.

“Project Jupiter will harness WA’s incredible home solar potential in a way that benefits everyone through lower costs, improved grid stability, and lower carbon emissions.”

Project Jupiter is a collaboration between Western Power, Synergy, the Australian Energy Market Operator, and Energy Policy WA. 

By 2028, the project aims to enable all new residential energy sources connected to WA’s main electricity network to participate in VPPs.

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