A look at Edify’s Riverina Energy Storage System. Photo: Supplied.
The Commonwealth is chipping in $6.6 million towards a state-of-the-art battery system that will give the Riverina village of Darlington Point a power boost.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced the funding to support Edify Energy’s large-scale battery project attached to the Darlington Point Solar Farm on Donald Ross Dr to the town’s South East.
The lithium-ion Riverina Energy Storage System (RESS) uses Tesla Megapack batteries designed to stabilise the grid and prevent outages.
The inverters operate in “virtual synchronous generator” mode, which allows the storage system to operate like a conventional generator and provide stability.
The site of the Darlington Point based battery system. Photo: Supplied.
ARENA acting CEO Chris Faris said large-scale batteries are the next step in replacing services traditionally provided by coal or gas.
“To support the rapid transformation of our electricity system, large-scale batteries will need to evolve to do more than just store energy,” he explained.
“They need to be equipped with advanced inverters that can provide critical grid stability services to keep the system safe and secure, especially as synchronous generators retire and renewables provide a higher share of supply.
“That’s why it’s important to support and demonstrate projects like this, where batteries with advanced inverters can help supply critical stability services to the grid.”
It’s hoped the battery will add support to a weaker part of the grid and pave the way for further renewable energy opportunities.
“Large scale batteries like Edify’s Darlington Point battery are not only firming our renewable energy but also strengthening the grid, particularly in Edify Energy regional areas, where they will help to unlock more renewable uptake,” Mr Faris said.
The Tesla Megapack will be used at the Darlington Point site. Photo: Edify Energy.
Edify Energy’s previous project in Victoria, the Gannawarra Energy Storage System is one of the largest of its kind in the world, capable of powering more than 16,000 homes through two hours of peak demand before being recharged.
“Edify has been one of the early adopters and pioneers of large scale batteries in Australia,” Mr Faris said.
“Having worked together on the Gannawarra battery, we’re excited to be supporting them once again in deploying new battery technologies to strengthen the grid as we transition.”
Since 2017, ARENA has supported eight grid-scale lithium-ion batteries. This week they announced 12 large-scale batteries had been shortlisted as part of a $100 million round of funding for grid scale batteries equipped with the new inverter technology.
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