Endeavour Energy has announced plans to trial a 1MW grid-connected battery storage system for the first time.
The battery storage system will be installed at the future site of its West Dapto Zone Substation in the Illawarra.
Endeavour Energy general manager asset management Ty Christopher said battery energy storage technology in the Illawarra region could reduce network investment by up to $1 million per year and keep “downward pressure on network charges”.
“This helps us provide customers a safe and reliable power supply without having to build more expensive network upgrades right away,” Mr Christopher.
“Grid-connected battery storage could also reduce peak demand and improve the quality of electricity supply in constrained parts of our network.”
Endeavour Energy have released a tender calling for the supply and installation of the battery storage system.
“When installed, we expect to defer construction of our West Dapto Zone Substation for several years,” Mr Christopher said.
“If this trial is successful, similar battery systems could be deployed in other growth areas of our network to defer the construction of up to four new zone substations by 2024.
“Battery storage systems have significant potential to help manage load growth, peak demand, power quality and supply interruptions.
“Our trial will test the potential of battery storage in a real, grid-scale setting and provide us with the expertise to utilise this technology as future needs arise.”
The trial will supply 27,000 new dwellings in the West Lake Illawarra Release areas.
