National and overseas companies have a two week window to express interest for building Australia’s largest grid-scale battery as part of a project financed under South Australia’s newly-created $150 million Renewable Technology Fund.
The grid connected-battery, which must have a capacity of approximately 100MW and be operational in time for this summer, will help store renewable energy from the wind and the sun to provide South Australians with the storage capacity they need at times of peak demand.
Premier Jay Weatherill said the battery will increase competition in the local energy market, helping improve system security and put downward pressure on prices.
“We said our plan to take charge of South Australia’s energy future starts now, and we mean it. In recent days, we’ve seen South Australia attract international attention for our world-leading approach to next-generation of renewable technology,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Over the next fortnight, we’ll test the market to hear what national and international companies have to offer. Building Australia’s largest grid-scale battery will help build our reputation for high-tech industries.”
Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the grid-scale battery will modernise the state’s energy grid and begin the transformation to the next generation of renewable energy technologies.
“Introducing grid-scale batteries mean renewable energy can be stored 24 hours, 7 days a week. If the wind is blowing in the middle of the night, we can use that power when people wake up,” the Minister said.
“The State Government is setting ambitious timeframes to build Australia’s largest grid-scale battery, but we believe these timeframes are achievable.”
