November 24, 2022

APQRC’s Fundamentals of Distributed Energy Resources Course Provides Essential DER Knowledge

On 22 November, the Australian Power Quality and Reliability Centre (APQRC) hosted our final course of the year. The Fundamentals of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) was a continuing and professional development course suitable for those requiring an appreciation of the implications of increasing levels of DER without the need for a detailed understanding. The course was delivered online to 12 attendees. 

Distributed energy resources (DER) are becoming ubiquitous in modern power systems. With increasing levels of DER there are a range of technical and non-technical challenges that must be addressed. So, the course provided an overview of the operation and integration of DER into the modern power system. Designed to be non-technical, the course covered topics including: 

• The components and operation of DER systems including generators and energy storage
• Advantages and disadvantages of DER
• The impacts of DER on electricity network operation and how these may be mitigated
• The standards that apply to DER equipment and installations 

On completion of the course delegates gained knowledge allowing them to identify the main components of DER systems; understand the penetration levels of the main DER technologies and future trajectories; identify the positive and negative impacts of DER on the operation of the electricity supply system and understand the options available to increase DER penetration; as well as determining which standards apply to DER integration. 

The APQRC was pleased to host another successful course to assist participants with their professional growth and development. We look forward to providing more courses such as these in 2023. Information about 2023 courses will become available early in the new year, via our and email newsletters.