South Australia has completed another big battery to improve energy security – this time in Dalrymple on the Yorke Peninsula.
The new facility is about one-third the size of the historic Tesla Big Battery at the Hornsdale Power Reserve near Jamestown, also in South Australia, ABC News reports.
One-third of the funding for the new facility came from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Quick facts about the new battery:
- Who: Energy solutions company ElectraNet commissioned the project, and Consolidated Power Projects won the contract to build it. Energy company AGL will operate the system.
- What: the 30 MW storage facility is located near the Dalrymple substation and took over 30,000 hours to construct. It comprises over 2,000 batteries and 28 km of cabling.
- Why: the facility’s purpose is to help improve energy security by preventing blackouts in the Yorke Peninsula region. It will do this by providing temporary back-up power to over 4,000 customers.
Chief executive of ElectraNet Steve Masters described the unit as an example of how energy storage can improve reliability. He also said the battery is part of ElectraNet’s support towards transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
AGL general manager Dave Johnson said the battery will enhance energy security and create a “bright future for low-cost power from renewables”.
How battery storage improves energy security
Battery storage improves energy security and reliability by storing and delivering additional power when required.
For example, when electricity shortfalls occur, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) calls for backup power from approved suppliers. These ‘top up’ services are referred to as frequency control and ancillary services, or FCAS.
Generally speaking, FCAS is an expensive exercise. However, a storage battery can deliver FCAS much more quickly and at lower cost than traditional generators. Last year, for example, AEMO confirmed that the Hornsdale facility was proving to be faster, cheaper and more accurate than steam turbines when it comes to providing FCAS.
How batteries work on the home front
Energy storage batteries can also help reduce power costs for households and small businesses.
By adding one to your solar panel installation, you can store surplus power generated during the day for later use.
As a result, you will have improved your energy reliability and saved money on your power bills as well.
