The contract for the construction of ElectraNet’s 30MW large-scale battery at the Dalrymple Substation in Adelaide has been awarded.
Consolidated Power Projects (CPP) will work with international power company ABB and battery provider Samsung to deliver the project.
The battery, which will deliver both regulated network services and competitive market services, is part funded by up to $12 million from the Commonwealth Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
ElectraNet has been working on this project for the past three years.
ElectraNet Chief Executive, Steve Masters, said the project demonstrates an exciting turning point for the company and industry.
“The South Australian energy mix and landscape has significantly changed in recent years and this project will help the state to adapt to this change,” Mr Masters said.
“The battery will demonstrate how energy storage can strengthen the grid and improve reliability for the lower Yorke Peninsula.
“It will work with AGL’s existing 90MW Wattle Point Wind Farm and rooftop solar PV to provide back-up power in the event of any interruption to supply from the grid until the grid is restored. These learnings will be applicable in the future to other potential grid locations.
“In addition, the fast frequency response of the battery will improve power system security across the state by quickly injecting power into the grid following a disturbance,” Mr Masters said.
The battery will be constructed from October 2017 and is expected to be ready for full operation in the National Electricity Market by May 2018.
Following construction, ElectraNet will lease operation of the battery to energy retail operator AGL who will use the battery to provide competitive market services.
CPP’s Regional Manager (SA/Vic), Lloyd Bentley, welcomed the partnership.
“As an industry leader in integrating and constructing battery energy storage systems, we are delighted to have been selected to deliver this significant project,” Mr Bentley said.
AGL’s Executive General Manager Group Operations, Doug Jackson, said, “We’re pleased to be part of a project that will demonstrate how a battery of this scale can help firm renewables and provide more dispatchable power for South Australian energy consumers.”
