Batteries will play a key role in the electricity system by reinforcing the quality of the grid’s supply and boosting the penetration of renewables at times of low electricity production, which is a key milestone in the energy transition.
The entry into operation of the ACT Battery is a further example of our strategic commitment to Australia. In addition, we recently announced the construction of our first solar hybrid project in the country, which will enter commercial operation in early 2024. It aims to reach an installed capacity of 2.2 GW by 2025, focusing on the development of wind and photovoltaic plants and storage systems.
We successfully connected the world’s first battery storage facility to the grid, a historic milestone for GPG in the renewables business.
The ACT Battery project in Australia will enhance the quality of supply in the city of Canberra and accelerate the country’s energy transition by enabling greater introduction of renewable energy into the grid.
Through a Lithium-Ion battery system with a capacity of 10 MW and a storage capacity of 20 MWh, the ACT Battery will be able to accumulate electricity from renewable sources and feed it into the grid when needed to supply 3,000 households for a period of two hours during off-peak times.
In this way, the facility not only reinforces the quality of supply, but also contributes to boosting the decarbonisation of the area by ensuring the presence of clean energy in the grid in a continuous, stable manner. The project is associated with the construction of the Berrybank 2 wind farm, which we will begin operating in the coming months.
Official visit to the facility
Several members of the ACT government visited our facility today to see first-hand the cutting-edge technology used in the development of the battery. GPG was represented by Pedro Serrano, Shaq Mohajerani, David Santo Tomás, Guillermo Alonso, Haridian Fuentes and Grant Stepien.
During the tour, they offered their first impressions of the project: “This battery is a significant step forward for the city, as battery energy storage is a key component of achieving a zero-emissions future and making progress towards electrifying our city”, explained Andrew Barr, the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
“Energy storage plays an important role in the security of electricity supply by providing energy that helps prevent blackouts during periods of high demand. The ACT continues to be a leading region in Australia and the world in terms of climate change response and renewable energy ambition. Today is a key day in our drive for electrification”, added Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability.
Pedro Serrano, GPG’s Development Director, explained that the entry into commercial operation of the ACT Battery “represents an important step in strengthening our contribution to the energy transition” and mentioned our solid commitment to Australia as one of our strategic markets for the promotion of renewables.
Strong commitment to Australia
Without a doubt, Australia is a priority country for our company in our strategic objectives for the coming years. We aim to reach an installed capacity in the country of 2.2 GW by 2025, focused on the development of wind, solar photovoltaic and storage systems, such as the ACT Battery.
We also currently operate the Crookwell 2 and Berrybank 1 wind farms, and we are finalising the entry into operation of Berrybank 2. We are also working on a robust portfolio of projects under construction and development with a combined capacity of 1.4 GW concentrated in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland.
Our presence in Australia dates back to 2007; it has always aimed to build a strong renewable portfolio that provides clean energy sources and contributes to the development of rural and regional communities.
