https://www.smart-energy.com/industry-sectors/storage/australian-first-battery-improve-energy-security-north-queensland/
[New player in the grid-scale battery storage arena. 4 MW power, 4 MWh
capacity.]
Australian-first battery to improve energy security in North Queensland
August 13, 2018
In an Australian first, Origin will install a 4MW grid-scale battery at
its Mt Stuart Power Station in Townsville, improving the security of
electricity supply to North Queensland households and businesses.
Mt Stuart Power Station, located about 12kms south of central
Townsville, is a 414MW open cycle gas power station, designed to supply
electricity at times of peak demand and is the largest such facility in
North Queensland.
Origin’s executive general manager of energy supply and operations, Greg
Jarvis, said the battery would deliver a range of benefits to the region.
“This will be the first time in Australia that a grid-scale battery has
been connected to an open cycle gas turbine system and will not only
create efficiencies, but enable a reliable start up in the event of a
large-scale power outage.
“Having a battery of this size means we’re able to store the energy
needed to start the power station without the aid of the electricity
from the transmission network should a loss of power occur due to an
event like a cyclone.
“The battery will also help drive down emissions and support renewable
projects like the recently commissioned Clare Solar Farm, by storing
solar generation during the day and dispatching at times of peak demand
after the sun has set.
“Our transition to renewables and shift to decentralised generation
requires an ongoing focus on ensuring our customers have reliable and
affordable energy and we’ll be looking closely at the battery’s
performance to see how larger versions might be deployed elsewhere
across our generation portfolio,” Jarvis said.
Origin has entered into an agreement with a Korean consortium led by
Bosungpowertec for the supply and installation of the 4MW / 4MWh
battery, to be placed within the existing footprint of the power station.
With support from the Korean Government, Bosungpowertec hopes to
showcase the country’s emerging battery technology sector.
Bosungpowertec CEO Jae Hwang Lim said the consortium was excited by the
opportunity to partner with Origin.
“Bosungpowertec recognises Origin as a leading Australian energy
provider that is actively exploring new and emerging technologies that
support their transitioning electricity market.
“We hope to demonstrate how our battery technology supports Origin’s
operations and are sure that this project will be a start for a
successful cooperation in the Australian market,” Lim said.
It is expected that installation and commissioning will be complete in
May 2019.
