Today, Spotless, a Fluence customer, issued a press release about a new 30 MW energy storage project, which is Fluence's first project in Australia. The full release is below.
- PRESS RELEASE -
Spotless Consortium Announced to Deliver Victorian Government Energy Storage Initiative
22 March 2018: The world-class consortium comprising Spotless, AusNet Services, EnergyAustralia and Fluence, has today signed a contract with the Victorian Government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to design, construct and operate Victoria’s first utility-scale, grid-connected battery-based energy storage system. The intent of the Energy Storage Initiative is to enhance the capability of the Victorian electricity network to support further renewable electricity generation and unlock economic growth.
The 30 megawatt, 30 megawatt-hour battery-based energy storage system will be located at the AusNet Services Ballarat Terminal Station in Warrenheip, Ballarat. The system will comprise nine purpose-built and engineered battery enclosures (similar to a standard shipping container) for its lithium–ion batteries, operating system and environmental controls, security and associated cooling and safety systems. The system has the capacity to power more than 20,000 homes for an hour of critical peak demand before being recharged. It will operate 24/7 to support critical peak demand and frequency control services to improve the security and reliability of the State’s energy supply.
Spotless Sustainability Services will manage the design and construction of this landmark project. They will commission the Battery Energy Storage System from Fluence, the recognised energy storage global leader. The system will be an unregulated asset of AusNet Services and will be installed at its Ballarat Terminal Station and connected to its electricity transmission network. Once the system has been commissioned and accepted by AusNet Services and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), EnergyAustralia will operate the charge and discharge of the system.
“It’s an exciting time for Victoria and the utilities industry, said Dana Nelson CEO Spotless. Spotless is pleased to take a lead role to introduce renewable energy solutions. We’ve brought together leading utilities expertise and proven energy storage technology to deliver this Victorian first. Spotless is committed to a sustainable future and will continue to be at the forefront of energy innovation in Australia.”
“Our comprehensive experience and constant learnings demonstrate that the future of energy will include a diverse mix of power generation and storage solutions. This project is another fantastic step towards an even more resilient, modern energy network and further demonstrates what is possible when industry and government work together,” said Nino Ficca, Managing Director of AusNet Services. “Large batteries, such as this one, are critical to providing clean, affordable and reliable energy now and for many years to come. AusNet Services is proud of our involvement in this project and is confident that this will be the first of many such projects in Victoria and across the country.”
“Renewable energy is an obvious contributor to filling the gap left by the retirement of coal plants but we need to maintain a stable grid during cloudy and windless times. That’s where battery storage comes into its own with its ability to store wind and solar energy for quick release to stabilise fluctuations in the grid, said Catherine Tanna, EnergyAustralia Managing Director. The clean energy transition is happening right now. Commercial-scale batteries, demand response, pumped hydro and energy recovery – all the ingredients are there for a modern energy system that can deliver reliable, affordable and cleaner energy for customers. The challenge remains planning; getting the right balance and mix for a modern energy system – and doing it at least cost.”
“We’re proud to partner with this supergroup of Australia’s energy companies and together help Victoria create an energy network that can weather any challenge,” said Fluence CEO Stephen Coughlin. “With this new project, Australia becomes the 16th country in which we’ve deployed our industrial-strength energy storage solutions over the last decade, and we look forward to delivering many more Australian storage projects in the future.”
Planning approval has been granted for the project with construction to commence in March 2018 for completion in November 2018.
Further information: http://www.spotless.com/bess
Ends
Media Contact: Leanne Gough m: +61 409 869 154 e: leanne.gough@spotless.com.au
About Spotless: Spotless is a leading provider of integrated facilities services in Australia and New Zealand. Spotless’ 36,000 people, including 10,000 Victorians, deliver millions of service hours a year across more than 100 services that are essential to our customers. Spotless is the consortium lead company for the Victorian Government Energy Storage Initiative responsible for delivering the Battery Energy Storage System in Warrenheip, Ballarat. Spotless is 88 per cent owned by Downer EDI Limited (DOW), and headquartered in Melbourne.
About EnergyAustralia: EnergyAustralia is one of Australia’s leading energy retailers, serving more than 2.6 million accounts and approximately 1.7 million customers nationally. EnergyAustralia owns and operates a multibillion dollar energy generation portfolio, including coal, gas and wind assets. EnergyAustralia is headquartered in Melbourne, employing around 2,500 people in Australia. EnergyAustralia will be the market operator and trader of the proposed Energy Storage System.
About AusNet Services: AusNet Services owns and operates the Victorian electricity transmission network, one of the five electricity distribution networks and one of the three gas distribution networks in Victoria, and a commercial energy services business that provides utility-scale connection assets, commercial, industrial and community-based energy assets, platform solutions, metering, asset intelligence and telecommunication solutions to the utility and infrastructure sectors. AusNet Services will own the proposed Ballarat Energy Storage System.
About Fluence: Fluence, a Siemens and AES company, is a global energy storage technology solutions and services company that combines the agility of a technology company with the expertise, vision, and financial backing of two industry powerhouses. Established in 2018, as the successor to industry pioneers AES Energy Storage and Siemens energy storage, Fluence’s goal is to create a more sustainable future by transforming the way we power our world. The company offers proven energy storage technology solutions designed to address the diverse needs and challenges of customers in a rapidly transforming energy landscape, providing design, delivery and integration in over 160 countries. Fluence works closely with customers during every step of their journey and provides advisory, financing, and project lifecycle services. To date, Fluence’s teams have deployed or been awarded over 500 MW in 16 countries.
