EPEC Group’s pioneering Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) pre-commissioning platform is no longer just a concept, it is now being used in live renewable energy projects, delivering real-world results.
Recently deployed on a 50MW solar project, the HIL platform identified more than 15 integration and control system issues before grid connection, this cut commissioning time by approximately five months. This marks a major milestone for the renewables industry, proving that hardware-driven testing can eliminate costly delays and reduce risks before construction even begins.
Developed in collaboration with the University of Queensland (UQ) and supported by ARENA, our HIL platform is redefining how large-scale renewable projects connect to the grid. Traditionally, projects have relied on software-based simulations, which have often failed to capture the real-world challenges. EPEC’s approach has bridged this gap, ensuring projects are tested under real conditions before they go live.
Mark Parker, Executive Director of EPEC Group, emphasises the impact:
“For the first time, we are using a real-world testing platform to eliminate delays in getting renewable projects online. By bridging the gap between modelling and reality, we’re setting a new benchmark for how clean energy projects connect to the grid, faster, more efficiently, and with far fewer risks.”
As HIL technology moves into broader commercial application, EPEC continues to lead the charge in delivering more reliable, efficient, and scalable renewable energy solutions. This milestone, achieved in collaboration with UQ and with support from ARENA, marks a significant step forward in improving grid connection processes and advancing industry-wide knowledge.
For a deeper dive into the technology and its impact, check out the latest ARENA article here: https://arena.gov.au/blog/arena-funded-technology-could-be-a-game-changer/