When a utility faced peak load problems in New South Wales Australia, it explored all the options. Time was not on its side either, as consumers from several towns piled on the pressure. More coal power would be unfashionable, while a gas peaking station would take too long to build. They considered all their choices carefully. Then they decided grid scale batteries were their best option during peak.
The Best Option, Grid Scale Batteries Would Deliver
The Transgrid power utility manages electricity supply in New South Wales, and Australian Capital Territory. Its network comprises generators, distributors, and 8,200 miles of high voltage transmission lines and cables.
Each of the affected areas was experiencing higher electricity demand, and expected the trend to continue. Transgrid has a virtual monopoly and a duty to deliver on its mandate. It researched numerous alternatives before deciding grid scale batteries were the best option.
“We looked at multiple alternatives for addressing load constraints on our network,” says executive general manager network, Marie Jordan. “And we are excited to say that grid-scale batteries are the preferred option, as they provide the greatest overall benefit.”
Transgrid Circulates Project Assessment Conclusion Reports
The utility issued project assessment conclusion reports, for consideration by National Electricity Market. However, Jordan is confident of her success, because “batteries outperformed other options throughout the regulatory test”. This is a distinct step forward in an increasing trend to use peak battery storage.
The storage system will charge from renewable energy sources in daytime, when supply is abundant and demand is lower. It will then release its stock during times the opposite applies, countering supply problems at those times.
Moreover, the batteries will come on line faster than any other alternative. We are excited by this news coming out of Australia, as the nation seeks long-term solutions for the rolling blackouts that bedeviled the economy a couple years earlier.
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