Photon Energy chosen to power Lord Howe Island

Photon Energy, Lord Howe Island
A Photon Energy solar installation similar to that which will be installed on Lord Howe Island

Photon Energy Australia has been chosen to install a 1.2 MWp solar array with 3.2MWh Lithium-Ion battery storage and micro-grid control on Lord Howe Island.

The integrated solar and storage system has been purposely designed for a remote location and starts the island’s transition away from diesel power generation. The new system will provide more than two thirds of Lord Howe Island’s electricity needs.

Photon Energy was chosen because of local and global experience to design, construct and operate solar farms with micro-grid integration into existing diesel generation.

Related article: Lord Howe Island will get renewable energy solution

Photon Energy Australia managing director Michael Gartner said the technology applied on the island is highly applicable for commercial customers, mines, agriculture, islands and other remote locations to provide power, manage peak loads and reduce energy costs.

“With a combination of solar and battery storage, Photon Energy is securing the energy future of Lord Howe island and reducing diesel consumption by 67 per cent,” he said.

“The solar solution that Photon Energy will install will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and risks associated with the transport, storage and use of diesel on the UNESCO World Heritage listed island.

“Importantly, by transitioning the majority of their electricity generation to solar they will make significant savings by not having to purchase and transport as much diesel.

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“Solar is the lowest long-term cost and safest energy production for this remote location.

“Solar with battery storage delivers cost effective renewable energy with added security via dispatchable battery power.”

The remote location has a number of constraints and challenges that ultimately drove the selection of a system utilising a combination of Solar, battery storage and a control system that integrates the existing diesel Powerhouse.

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