Origin will install a 4MW grid-scale battery at its Mt Stuart Power Station in Townsville in an Australian first, improving the security of electricity supply to North Queensland households and businesses.
Mt Stuart Power Station, located about 12km south of central Townsville is a 414MW open cycle gas power station, designed to supply electricity at times of peak demand and is the largest such facility in North Queensland.
Origin’s Executive General Manager of Energy Supply and Operations, Greg Jarvis, said the battery would deliver a range of benefits to the region.
“This will be the first time in Australia that a grid scale battery has been connected to an open cycle gas turbine system and will not only create efficiencies, but enable a reliable start up in the event of a large scale power outage.
“Having a battery of this size means we’re able to store the energy needed to start the power station without the aid of the electricity from the transmission network should a loss of power occur due to an event like a cyclone.
“The battery will also help drive down emissions and support renewable projects like the recently commissioned Clare Solar Farm, by storing solar generation during the day and dispatching at times of peak demand after the sun has set.
“Our transition to renewables and shift to decentralised generation requires an ongoing focus on ensuring our customers have reliable and affordable energy and we’ll be looking closely at the battery’s performance to see how larger versions might be deployed elsewhere across our generation portfolio,” Mr Jarvis said.
Origin has entered into an agreement with a Korean consortium led by Bosungpowertec for the supply and installation of the 4MW / 4 MWh battery, to be placed within the existing footprint of the power station.
With support from the Korean Government, Bosungpowertec hopes to showcase the country’s emerging battery technology sector.
Bosungpowertec CEO, Jae Hwang Lim, said the consortium was excited by the opportunity to partner with Origin.
“Bosungpowertec recognises Origin as a leading Australian energy provider that is actively exploring new and emerging technologies that support their transitioning electricity market.
“We hope to demonstrate how our battery technology supports Origin’s operations and are sure that this project will be a start for a successful cooperation in the Australian market” Mr. Lim said.
It is expected that installation and commissioning will be complete in May 2019.
