Horizon Power continues to develop its utility scale energy storage capabilities in regional Western Australia through the ongoing trial in Carnarvon and more recently in Onslow, where a 1 MW storage system is being installed and integrated into the new power station facility which is about to be commissioned.
The batteries under trial in Carnarvon are providing an exciting learning platform for Horizon Power as they respond to real life operating scenarios like generator trips and network faults. The Carnarvon batteries have demonstrated their ability to instantly discharge large amounts of energy (up to 2 MW) to help stabilise the system when transient events like a generator trip occur.
Horizon Power General Manager Power System Services Laurie Curro said the utility had already leveraged off early learnings from the Carnarvon trial to help inform the next generation of integration, which is about to be demonstrated in Onslow.
“The 1 MW battery storage system in Onslow will primarily be used to optimise spinning reserve at the station, saving on fuel and generator run hours whilst also enhancing reliability for the town. In the longer term, Horizon Power also plans to install an additional 1 MW battery in the Onslow network which will offer a more diverse range of operating modes and functions like solar smoothing for increased renewables and peak load shifting.
“Having the ability to effectively integrate utility scale batteries in remote islanded microgrid systems is recognised as another part of Horizon Power’s developing toolkit for more efficient operation and for enabling more renewables,” Mr Curro said.
For media queries call 1800 799 745.