Neon begins production of its fourth largest capacity battery in Australia – PV Magazine International

January 6, 2023Gwenaëlle Deboutte

Neon, an independent producer of renewable energy, has instructed teams from Tesla, a specialist in high-capacity batteries, and UGL, a manufacturer of auxiliary power and mechanical equipment (Balance of Plant), to begin construction of the Western Downs battery. . The 200 MW/400 MWh battery is located in South West Queensland, Australia. In keeping with its develop-to-stone model, Neon will own and operate it for the long haul. Neon’s fourth largest capacity battery in Australia is the Western Downs Battery.

The Western Downs battery will benefit from the infrastructure of the existing Western Downs Green Power Hub, which includes a 460 MW solar power plant, construction of which is almost complete. The Western Downs Battery is located close to the Western Downs Substation. Powerlink is responsible for the connection work, including the installation of high tension cables that connect the battery to the grid. The first construction work has started and the battery is scheduled to be commissioned in late 2024/early 2025.

Sustainability of electricity grid without fossil fuels

This new infrastructure will modernize and increase the reliability of Queensland’s electricity network, providing a variety of essential functions such as peak power supply or rapid frequency control. This will encourage greater penetration of renewable energy in the state. Additionally, thanks to support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) through its large-scale battery storage funding round, Western Downs has the ability to generate its own voltage and frequency setpoints with advanced inverter technology known as battery grid-forming.

It can provide system services that are essential for grid stability, traditionally provided by coal and gas-fired power plants. “Batteries are an essential technology in the energy transition, as they make it possible to smooth the production of renewable energies and store electricity on demand. A new generation of large-scale batteries like the Western Downs Battery will support this transition, especially thanks to their advanced inverters, which help maintain the stability of the electricity network without resorting to fossil fuels. Darren commented. Miller, general manager of the arena.

6 GW is in operation or under construction globally

With Western Downs Battery, Neon sees its portfolio of storage plants in operation or under construction in Australia reach 776 MW / 1,279 MWh, reinforcing its leading position among the major battery operators in Australia. Neon also owns and operates the 300 MW / 450 MW Victorian Big Battery located in Geelong and the 150 MW / 193.5 MW Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia, while its 100 MW / 200 MW Capital Battery is currently under construction. Australian Capital Territory (ACT). “This new step allows us to cross the threshold of 6 GW, which ensures the capacity to reach 10 GW by 2025,” assured Xavier Barbaro, CEO of Neon.

In addition, on January 5, the French operator began construction of the Blythe battery (200 MW / 400 MW) in South Australia, which will be carried out by a consortium made up of Elecner responsible for carrying out the electrical and mechanical works. Accessories (Plant presence), and NHOA, a specialist in large capacity batteries. It is scheduled to launch in 2025. Located close to the Blyth West substation, the new battery will be connected to the Electron network and the storage capacity will be allocated to the generation of its Coyder South Stage 1 wind farm. continue (contract base load) 70 MW of green electricity for BHP, one of the world’s largest mining groups. The energy provided will cover half of the electricity consumption of BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, one of the world’s largest copper, gold and uranium deposits.