Territory Generation has officially showcased its $8.3 million Battery Energy Storage System in Alice Springs.
The leading-edge 5MW system is one of the largest grid-connected storage solutions in Australia and is an important step in ensuring reliability in a controlled transition to renewable energy for the Northern Territory.
Territory Generation Chief Executive Officer Tim Duignan said the system will enable greater uptake of solar in Alice Springs, which already has the highest solar penetration in Australia.
“The Battery Energy Storage System is an important milestone in the Northern Territory’s transition to renewable energy and a critical piece of infrastructure to support the Northern Territory Government’s Roadmap to Renewables strategy,” he said.
“Reliability and stability of the power system is a critical barrier in the uptake of renewable energy across Australia, and I am pleased that we are at the forefront of tackling this issue right here in Alice Springs,”
“The cutting-edge technology in our Battery Energy Storage System will reinforce Alice Springs as the solar capital of Australia by enabling greater solar penetration whilst maintaining grid stability.”
The 5MW battery provides a near-instantaneous response to variation in solar load, particularly during cloud cover, and will improve power system stability for the region by helping to smooth the output of solar power.
The system has a 5MW capacity, combined with a half an hour storage capability, and it is capable of flexing to 8MW for 6 seconds and 7.5MW for 60 seconds.
The battery underwent off grid testing and online commissioning in 2018 and was showcased to industry professionals on Friday 9 November 2018.
The system was supplied and installed by Vector Energy with technical and advisory support to TGen from Aurecon.
The project was completed safely and on budget, and modelling has determined that the cost of the battery system is expected to be recouped within four to five years due to efficiencies and savings.