Australia’s biggest energy generator AGL has acquired the Yadnarie solar and long duration energy storage project from Photon Energy.
The Yadnarie project, which will be based on RayGen’s PV Ultra and Thermal Hydro technology, is located near Cleve on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
Related article: Project profile: RayGen Power Plant Carwarp
The project provides AGL a development option over two stages with up to 150MW of solar capacity, 90MW of thermal energy capacity and 720MWh (eight hours) of energy storage.
AGL general manager power development Travis Hughes said, “This project incorporates RayGen’s innovative solar-and-storage system technology as one potential solution to the need for long duration energy storage.
“AGL has long been an early supporter and adopter of innovative energy solutions like RayGen’s, and this development has the potential to be a reliable and affordable solution to the challenges of long duration energy storage as Australia transitions to a renewable energy system.”
This project builds on AGL’s relationship with RayGen, both as an investor in the company and through an offtake agreement for production from RayGen’s Carwarp Power Plant.
Related article: RayGen closes $127M capital raise backed by major players
The RayGen system uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto Australian-made, highly efficient solar modules. In addition to producing electricity, heat is captured from the modules and stored in water reservoirs for on-demand electricity dispatch.
AGL continues to invest in long duration storage options as it works toward its strategic goal of adding 12GW of new renewables and firming by 2035.
