Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar to enhance renewable energy access across Kimberley and regional WA

Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar technology has been expanded to include towns across the Kimberley and 20 other regional centres in WA, boosting renewable energy accessibility across the regions. This state-of-the-art initiative marks a significant milestone in Horizon Power’s commitment to expanding renewable energy access and sustainable development across the State. The Smart Connect Solar project, launched last month in Carnarvon, has now been extended to include the North West Interconnected System and various unconstrained towns in regional WA. Among the towns benefiting from this initiative are Derby, Wyndham, Halls Creek, Lombadina, Kalumburu and Warmun, along with several others in the Kimberley, Mid West, Gascoyne, Esperance and Goldfields. By mitigating voltage and frequency fluctuations in real-time, the cutting-edge technology minimises the risk of supply disruptions, enhancing energy efficiency, stability and reliability. Horizon Power chief executive Stephanie Unwin said the significant milestone meant they would no longer have to refuse customers hoping to connect their solar power to the grid. “By 2025, Horizon Power will have deployed Smart Connect Solar to all towns in its service area, increasing access to solar energy for residents across WA,” she said. “Not only does Smart Connect Solar use cutting-edge technology, it will also be a key contributor to the State Government’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. “Furthermore, it equips Horizon Power with the necessary technical capabilities to fulfil our commitment to ensuring ‘zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025’ across our networks.” The technology has also been launched in towns across the Pilbara including in Karratha, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Point Samson, Cossack and Roebourne.