South Australia is set to be home to yet another large-scale battery.
The 30MW battery, announced today by Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg, will be located at the Dalrymple substation on the Yorke Peninsula.
“The battery is the first large-scale battery to be designed, built and commercially operated in Australia and backed by private investment from energy providers,” he said.
“Transmission network provider ElectraNet will design, build and own the battery at Dalrymple substation on the Yorke Peninsula and lease out the commercial operation to a major energy retailer.”
The $30 million battery, expected to be connected to the grid by February next year, is the second phase of the Energy Storage for Commercial Renewable Integration (ESCRI) project.
It is going ahead with $12 million of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Phase one of the project consisted of a study into the potential for energy storage to benefit the South Australian network.
ARENA CEO said the battery would complement the 100MW state government-funded battery to be built by Tesla and Neoen at the Hornsdale wind farm.
“It may not be the biggest battery in the world, but pound-for-pound it will pack a big punch in demonstrating how utility scale storage can contribute to a stronger South Australian energy network,” he said.
“Australia is now a leader in demonstrating the potential of large-scale battery technology to facilitate high levels of renewable energy penetration.
“This project will complement the Hornsdale battery and other ARENA-funded grid support projects to help deliver reliable and secure electricity in South Australia.”
The ESCRI will be one of the largest batteries in the world, in terms of MW capacity, behind the Tesla/Neoen battery.
Mr Frischknecht said the project would demonstrate how utility-scale battery storage could help contribute to a more secure, reliable and affordable electricity system.
“Battery storage is a key enabler as we transition to an energy system powered by variable renewable energy like wind and solar,” he said.
ElectraNet chief executive Steve Masters welcomed the Australian Government’s support of the project.
“We thank the government and ARENA for their funding commitment to this important demonstration project on the Yorke Peninsula,” he said.
“The learnings and expertise that we will gain from this project will greatly assist to support the shift in energy mix and landscape that South Australia is experiencing.”
