Two sites proposed for battery energy storage

Two battery energy storage systems (BESS) are proposed for Vales Point Power Station and the other at Berkeley Vale.

The first one is a joint venture between Delta Power and Energy Pty Ltd, and Samsung Construction and Trading with a scoping report on a BESS submitted to the State’s Planning Department.

BESS would provide increased energy security and strengthen supply reliability as more renewable generation is integrated into the electricity network.

Delta, which owns and runs Vales Point Power Station at Mannering Park, is proposing its BESS would have a capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) / 800-megawatt hour (MWh), connecting to Transgrid’s existing Vales Point 330 kilovolt (kV) Substation nearby.

“With many of the State’s largest coal-fired power stations beginning to reach the end of their operational life and set to close by 2035, the need to transform how energy is generated and used throughout the State is apparent,” the proposal states.

“One of the challenges frequently identified in the transition to a renewable energy-based electricity grid is the intermittency of most forms of renewable energy generation. 

“That is; wind and solar, the two most prominent forms of renewable energy in Australia, are strong when weather and climatic conditions are suitable, but during off-peak conditions they are less able to consistently meet demand. 

“As such, a need has been identified for energy storage systems.

“As an energy storage facility, the project as well as other BESS projects, would play an important role in the transition to renewable energy.”

Delta will await the State’s SEARS (Secretary’s environmental assessment requirements) which will outline what information it must provide before the proposal can be assessed.

Meanwhile, Ausgrid is seeking development consent to construct, operate and maintain a BESS at Berkeley Vale with a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW) over a two-hour duration (i.e. 300 MWh).
Its BESS would be located adjacent Ausgrid’s existing 132 kV/11 kV Berkeley Vale Zone Substation at 14 Apprentice Dr, Berkeley Vale.

It too is requesting a SEARS. So it will be race to see who gets a BESS first.

Merilyn Vale