Edify Energy and Shell are teaming up to building the Riverina Energy Storage System (RESS), a 100MW/200MWh lithium-ion battery that will connect into TransGrid’s network at the Darlington Point Substation.
RESS will serve to add more flexible dispatchable capacity to the NSW market and will complement the significant presence of renewable generation in the region.
RESS is being developed to meet the requirements of Shell Energy and the NSW Government, with Shell Energy signing a long-term services agreement to access operational rights to a 60MW/120MWh partition of the battery.
This agreement is a key component of Shell Energy’s success in securing a long-term retail contract with the NSW Government.
“The advantages of large-scale batteries in support of energy firming in our brave new world of renewables is well documented and supported,” said Edify Chief Executive, John Cole.
“Energy storage is fast becoming a valued capacity solution for the National Electricity Market, given its fast and precise response. The uncertainties in this growing technology class are reducing and with it the barriers to acceptance from market and network participants.
“We are pleased to have reached this milestone with Shell Energy and the NSW Government and look forward to continuing to work with them as we deliver RESS into commercial operation.”
To achieve Australia’s carbon emission reduction target, an increased supply of renewable and secure energy available to government, businesses and consumers is crucial.
“Shell Energy recognises that batteries have an important role to play in transitioning to and managing risk in a lower carbon energy future,” said Shell Energy CEO Greg Joiner.
“This long-term services agreement is a model for how large energy users can access dispatchable power like battery storage, which complements renewables, while contributing to a cleaner and more resilient power system. Shell Energy was pleased to select Edify as its battery energy storage partner in this collaborative approach to meeting the NSW Government’s need for an innovative power solution.”
