The Tiwi Islands’ Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project is another step closer to completion with the battery energy storage system currently undergoing testing in Berrimah.
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Wurrumiyanga is already operating on some solar. Australian company 5B, has completed installation of its prefabricated solar technology, the 5B Maverick, adding 1.2MW of additional solar PV to the community. A 1.75MVA battery energy storage system will provide 3MWh of storage capacity.
Once testing of the battery system is complete at Berrimah, it will be transported to Wurrumiyanga where another round of testing will take place to ensure successful integration with the grid.
The project is estimated to reduce diesel fuel consumption by 519,000L in the first year of operation by introducing additional renewable energy technology, with works expected to be completed by May 2024.
The $6.1 million Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project is part of the Territory Government’s commitment of $10.4 million to date for the Renewable Remote Power Program.
Northern Territory Minister for Renewables and Energy Kate Worden said, “The Northern Territory is in the process of transitioning to a future where renewable energy will play a greater role in our energy consumption.
“The Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project will give the community cleaner power and reduce the need to rely on diesel generators.
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“We are working towards our target of net zero emissions by 2050 and projects like this will play a significant role in achieving this.”
