Solar energy company, solarZero has won the Innovation in Energy Award at the New Zealand Energy Excellence Awards for its Virtual Power Plant (VPP) technology.

Established in 2009, solarZero – which provides solar systems to customers, through panels and batteries – uses its VPP technology to provide power system stability and demand flexibility.

Chief Executive Matt Ward says that its VPP, the largest in the Asia Pacific region, comes at a time when the demand for electricity is increasing due to “electrification of the economy and the variability of renewable energy generation”.

“We’re thrilled to receive the Innovation in Energy Award in a category of really impressive organisations,” adds Ward.

“It’s testament to our commitment to innovation and collaboration in the electricity sector, and driving Aotearoa closer to the ultimate goal of reaching 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030.”

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He adds that this award has been key for solarZero to join the race to 100 percent renewable electricity.

The VPP technology works through collaborating with Transpower, who help solarZero harness reserve energy, which is stored in batteries and then feeds it back into the grid in milliseconds, aiding with any disruptions in the power system.

This means that if there are any issues in the power system, the VPP can make them more stable and resilient.

Developed in late 2022, VPP has been able to deliver electricity to 3200 households when a frequency event occurred.

Ward says this is a world first and is a step closer to “enabling decarbonisation of the power system while maintaining power system stability and ensuring electricity is affordable”.

By mid-2024, solarZero hopes to have over 15,000 of its systems enrolled for reserves.