ABB and Samsung have announced they will design and construct a hybrid Grid Energy Storage and Diesel Generation System (GESS) for Victoria’s SP AusNet.
The system will include a 1MW-1MWh battery energy storage module and a diesel generator as a back-up to extend the capacity available.
ABB says the GESS system will provide peak demand management, active and reactive power support and other functions. It can also supply power as part of a mini-grid when parts of the network become isolated.
The project is due to be completed this year and ABB will provide ongoing service and maintenance contract for a further two years.
ABB says if the project proves successful, SP AusNet may install more GESS systems for additional supply capacity during high demand periods; which could offset or delay expensive power line upgrades.
SP AusNet isn’t the only Australian power company looking to test the battery storage waters. According to a report on RenewEconomy, Ausgrid and Hydro Tasmania also have projects in the works. Ergon Energy and Energex have also foreseen the potential impact of home energy storage; which could ultimately significantly reduce demand for mains-grid supplied power.
SP AusNet is owned by Singapore Power and operates three energy networks in Victoria. It manages a $7 billion electricity and gas network servicing more than 1.2 million customers in the state.
The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries. Last year the company completed its acquisition of solar inverter manufacturer Power-One; making it the second largest inverter manufacturer in the world – behind SMA and ahead of Sungrow. In late 2012, the company announced it had developed a “game changing” hybrid HVDC circuit breaker that solves a 100-year-old puzzle relating to electricity transmission.
