SA Power Networks' Interim Head of Network Strategy, James Brown, has taken out the Energy Networks Australia (ENA) Individual Contribution Award, at the 2024 Annual Awards Night.

The award recognises James’ groundbreaking work, as the lead architect behind South Australia’s world-leading Flexible Exports solution, and the design of SA Power Networks’ Consumer Energy Resource (CER) management systems.

Since its ARENA-supported pilot in 2021, Flexible Exports was subsequently trialled and is now being rolled out across the State, to maximise customer benefit from solar and home battery uptake, whilst maintaining a safe and reliable supply of electricity on the grid. It's the world’s first flexible solar connection offer.

“I am extremely proud of our innovative approach to ensuring South Australian customers get as much benefit as possible from rooftop solar,” said James.

“Leading the Flexible Exports project was an incredible opportunity and I’m excited to see it being adopted throughout Australia and capturing global attention.”

Pictures: Head of Network Strategy at SA Power Networks, James Brown, with his award.

Flexible Exports, which was also the recipient of the 2023 AIE SA Energy Project of the Year award, 2023 SA DEM Premier’s Innovation award and the 2024 CEC Industry Collaboration Award, is being adopted by almost 90% of eligible South Australian solar customers, which is allowing SA Power Networks to double the amount of solar it can support on the network.

Within the Flexible Exports trial, James Brown also played a leading role in the drafting of the CSIP-AUS CER communications protocol, now being rapidly deployed across Australia to support the integration of CER. He has driven a national approach for the betterment of the broader industry, including manufacturers and customers. This involved leading engagement with government and industry on the national adoption of the standards, technology and regulation required to enable Flexible Exports.

ENA CEO, Dominique van den Berg, said “James’ approach to the integration of renewables on the networks has steered significant change to the way the industry presents new offerings and the way customers connect their resources to the network. His work paves the way for networks to deliver increased value to energy customers. This type of innovation and leadership is incredibly valuable to a quickly-evolving industry which will impact the lives of every Australian.”

James Brown began as a Graduate Electrical Engineer with SA Power Networks in 2016, before focusing on Future Network Engineering and the integration of Distributed Energy Resources.

He said, “I have had an exciting and diverse decade in the energy sector. It’s incredibly rewarding to work on innovation projects that genuinely make a difference for our customers and the environment. We are already working on the next big thing”.