Huge wind farm project to add battery storage

A CONTRACT has been signed to build a large battery storage project to support the Southern Hemisphere’s largest wind farm near Rokewood.

Consolidated Power Projects Australia has signed a contract to start building a 150MW/600MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) early next year at the Golden Plains Wind Farm to add flexibility and reliability to Victoria’s power supply.

Tesla will supply 168 Megapack 2XL battery systems to the standalone BESS.

Battery storage will support more efficient and flexible use of the clean energy generated by TagEnergy’s 1,333MW Golden Plains Wind Farm.

Stage 1 of the wind farm, capable of generating 756MW, is undergoing final commissioning testing, and construction is under way on the 577MW Stage 2.

When fully complete in mid-2027, the Golden Plains Wind Farm will be capable of solely delivering 9 per cent of Victoria’s energy needs.

TagEnergy managing partner for Australia Andrew Riggs said the combination of power generation and onsite battery storage was a powerful pairing that would support a more sustainable and resilient grid.

“The addition of large-scale energy storage at Golden Plains is another vital step towards achieving a more secure and flexible supply of clean electricity for the people of Victoria,” he said.

“Golden Plains BESS will help balance supply and demand on the grid and provide critical capacity during peak demand periods.

“It will optimise the use of renewable electricity as we continue to accelerate the energy transition.

“And it will enable more adaptable and reliable access to renewable, cost-effective energy for families, homes and business.”

Consolidated Power Projects Australia president Wallie van Hoving said his company was delighted to work with TagEnergy on the project.

“Following our involvement in constructing Golden Plains Wind Farm Stages 1 and 2, this new battery storage facility presents another opportunity for CPP to support TagEnergy’s vision,” he said.

“This BESS will play a vital role in complementing the renewable energy produced by the Golden Plains Wind Farm.”

Tesla APAC regional director Josef Tadich said the four-hour Tesla Megapack system would operate as a grid-forming battery in a critical part of Victoria’s 500 kV transmission network in the western districts.

“By delivering 24/7 essential system strength services, it will support the transmission network in times of high renewable energy penetration in Victoria’s west,” he said.

“It will also maximise renewable generation through energy arbitrage by charging in times of renewable energy abundance during the middle of the day and discharging at times when Victorians need it most.”