Renewable energy innovator, Flow Power has announced it will be introducing a new DC-coupled battery energy storage system to its Cootamundra site, allowing for more energy to be stored during periods of less demand. Photo: Supplied.
The new Cootamundra Solar Farm, owned by renewable energy innovator Flow Power, will soon be expanding its operations in the Riverina with the introduction of a DC-coupled battery energy storage system (BESS).
The Cootamundra-based farm became operational in January and features over 8000 solar panels. Flow Power said the site would export over 11,800 MWh of clean energy each year.
Flow Power will be looking to add to its stocks in the Riverina by adding a DC-coupled BESS to the project. The new battery system will allow the solar farm to store energy during periods when demand and prices are low and then export when demand is needed most.
“As Australia’s energy market continues to transition, there is a growing need and opportunity for renewables that can be more flexible and responsive to market volatility,” Flow Power COO Byron Serjeantson said.
“With our South Australian Berri project delivered last year, and another recently completed in Newstead, Victoria, we are really proud of our exceptional team and their ability to pioneer new technologies and solutions to support our customers.
“The Cootamundra project has been expertly delivered in a manner consistent with Flow Power’s approach to sustainable development, including consultation to ensure the new site works in harmony with the community and initiatives to protect local wildlife such as the Barraband’s parrot.”
With the Cootamundra project, Flow Power aims to replicate the success of its first smart solar project, the Berri Solar Farm – the first demonstration of utility-scale DC-coupled storage in Australia. Since its launch in April 2023, the model has delivered substantial benefits for Flow Power customers, including helping Westpac reach its goal of sourcing the equivalent of 100 per cent renewable energy for its Australian operations.
Despite higher upfront costs, solar and BESS often provides more value to customers compared to solar on its own. It provides better generation coverage through shoulder periods, helping the grid to meet energy demands when solar generation tapers.
The Cootamundra project is supported by Flow Power’s proprietary kWatch platform, responsive technology that supports increased customer engagement and enables projects to respond to market signals more intelligently through automated and optimised control systems.
The project brings Flow Power’s total renewable energy portfolio close to half a gigawatt of owned and contracted wind, solar and storage projects. Flow Power’s growing pipeline of projects also includes standalone BESS projects across the National Electricity Market.
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