The AEMC has proposed changes that will influence how large electricity users connect to the grid and the impact they have on the power system, especially during grid disturbances. Electricity demand from data centres is increasing, raising new questions about how these facilities connect to and operate within the electricity system. 

“SMA welcomes the proposed changes that strengthen how large electricity users connect to and interact with the grid”, said SMA Managing Director of Large-Scale Solutions, John Alexander. 

“In the US, data centres have caused headaches for the system operators. Advanced technology can reduce those impacts, and Australia’s regulators continue to demonstrate leadership by getting ahead of the game.”

In large-scale renewable and battery storage plants, inverter technology works together with plant control systems to manage how energy flows between generation, storage and the grid. Advanced systems can provide grid support, which helps to maintain stable power system operation. 

For energy-intensive infrastructure such as data centres, a reliable and high-quality electricity supply is essential. Increasingly, developers are exploring energy architectures that combine renewable generation, battery storage and advanced inverter technology to improve operational resilience and energy management. 

“The recommendations published today are an important step toward ensuring that new forms of electricity demand integrate effectively into Australia’s evolving energy system”, said John Alexander.

As Australia’s electricity system evolves, ensuring that large new electricity users integrate effectively into the grid will be increasingly important. Advanced inverter technology and battery storage can help support stable system operation while enabling the continued growth of renewable energy.  As a technology and solution provider, SMA supports large-scale solar, battery and hybrid projects contributing to Australia’s energy transition.

About SMA  

As a leading global specialist in photovoltaic and storage system technology, the SMA Group is setting the standards today for the decentralised and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s portfolio contains a wide range of efficient PV and battery inverters, holistic system solutions for PV and battery-storage systems of all power classes, intelligent energy management systems and charging solutions for electric vehicles and power-to-gas applications. Digital energy services as well as extensive services up to and including operation and maintenance services for PV power plants round off SMA’s range.