Pacific Blue has announced that it has commenced construction of its more than $100 million grid-scale battery at Clements Gap, with the project expected to be operational in 2026.
The 60MW Battery Energy Storage System, or ‘BESS’, will provide a duration of 130MWh, which can be released to the grid during periods of peak demand, supporting grid stability, and playing a vital role for the state and Australia’s broader transition to renewable energy.
Located next to Pacific Blue’s existing wind farm, the BESS will support South Australia to meet its 2027 renewable targets.
Pacific Blue CEO, Domenic Capomolla, said that the focus of Australia’s energy transition so far has overwhelmingly been on the generation of renewable energy – storing that energy and deploying it to support grid stability is the missing piece and a critical component of Australia’s renewable energy transition.
“The construction of Clements Gap BESS is the first key milestone for Pacific Blue in realising our 2GW pipeline of capacity and energy storage solutions, which will contribute to Australia achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” Mr Capomolla said.
“Since the commissioning of the Clements Gap Wind Farm in 2010, we’ve been welcomed by the community. We’re proud of the relationship we’ve built, and the support provided through our Sustainable Communities Fund, which has invested more than $700,000 into 150 local sustainable projects.
“We’re delighted for the next phase of our investment in renewable energy to be in this region.”
South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis, welcomed the investment in this battery project, saying that it will help reduce peak wholesale prices by increasing the amount of available power when it is needed most.
“It is encouraging to see a new company joining the others who have already installed or are building grid-scale batteries,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“This will increase competition in the South Australian market for ancillary services and in the wholesale market.
“It will assist the whole state as we transition to cleaner, more affordable and reliable energy.”
Enzen Australia CEO, Dileep Viswanath, said that Enzen is excited to partner with Pacific Blue in delivering the Clements Gap BESS, taking end-to-end ownership for the delivery of this project.
“Enzen has an unwavering focus on the delivery of sustainable and affordable energy solutions globally,” Mr Viswanath said.
“This partnership will allow us to further build on our credentials and capabilities in the growing BESS market and play our part in accelerating Australia’s transition to net zero.
“We look forward to establishing a strategic partnership with Pacific Blue, which is one of Australia’s foremost renewable generation and retail companies with more than 25 years’ experience as an industry leader.”
Featured image: L-R: CEO Pacific Blue Domenic Capomolla, Enzen Australia CEO Dileep Viswanath, Member for Sturt Geoff Brock, Lawrie Thomas representing First Nations Nukunu people, and General Manager of Development and Delivery Pacific Blue Simon Maan at the sod turning event. Image credit: Pacific Blue.
