Network Service Provider Advice for Solar Generation
OVERVIEW:
NEN Consulting was engaged by JLL and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to develop a generation strategy for the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Facility in Mickleham, VIC. The objective was to maximise on-site rooftop solar PV utilisation while addressing grid export constraints. NEN delivered a staged roadmap incorporating meter consolidation, battery storage, and regulatory engagement to transform the site into a more energy-efficient and resilient facility.
Project budget: $50,000
JLL, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
2024
Mickleham, VIC
UTILITIES CHALLENGE:
The PEQ Facility faced severe limitations on exporting solar energy to the grid due to capacity constraints at the nearby Zone Substation and the associated 22kV feeder.
Despite having under-utilised on-site transformer capacity and ambitious solar generation plans, a zero-export limit imposed by the DNSP meant that most excess generation would be curtailed.
The challenge involved identifying feasible technical and regulatory pathways to enable greater self-consumption, reduce curtailment, and optimise the site’s renewable energy investment.
SEAMLESS SOLUTION:
To address these challenges, NEN Consulting conducted a comprehensive feasibility study that assessed transformer utilisation, network constraints, load forecasts, and export potential.
Several options were evaluated, including participation in a Dynamic Operating Envelope (DOE) trial, meter consolidation to boost on-site consumption, implementation of a Battery Energy
Storage System (BESS), and long-term infrastructure collaboration with AusNet and Jemena.
The study enabled informed decision-making by recommending a phased approach to reduce energy costs, increase renewable energy utilisation, and align with future network upgrades.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH:
Our team provided comprehensive support throughout the project, ensuring recommendations were technically robust, commercially viable, and aligned with regulatory frameworks. Key contributions included:
- Review of site documentation, load profiles, and NMI data
- Network capacity analysis using DAPR and GIS tools
- Assessment of distribution transformer utilisation
- Evaluation of flexible export limits (DOE) and trial participation
- Preliminary modelling of meter consolidation strategies
- Techno-economic assessment of BESS deployment