Construction commences on new NT big battery storage project

The Northern Territory is a step closer to achieving 50 per cent renewables by 2030 as construction begins on the Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS). 

Establishment of heavy foundations, in-ground services and culverts are now being carried out following the completion of earthworks. 

“Construction of the Darwin-Katherine BESS is a huge step forward in our plan for 50% renewables by 2030. 

“Our electricity will be more reliable and stable, whilst maintaining affordability for Territorians. 

“Our future is renewables. This is why we are investing now in the BESS and hydrogen powered generators so we can have clean and efficient energy to help reach our renewables and net zero emissions targets,” Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said. 

The $45 million project will deliver a 35MVA (megavolt amps) battery storage system that has the capability to pay for itself in about five years’ time as well as provide cost savings of about $9.8 million annually. 

Once up and running, DK BESS will be able to help reduce carbon emissions by approximately 58,000 tonnes per annum. 

This big battery project is the first step towards reducing the use of gas generators for the Darwin and Katherine Electricity System that provides power to 150,000 Territorians. 

“The Darwin-Katherine battery not only delivers on a portion of the Government’s Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan but is also key to unlocking flexibility in our generation fleet to better manage the increasing impacts of solar on the system,” Territory Generation CEO Gerhard Laubscher said. 

DK BESS also presents an opportunity to further unlock capacity for households that have rooftop solar to connect as well as for industry to invest in lower-cost solar systems for commercial and industrial use. 

“We’ve backed renewables and so have Territorians – they know renewables deliver cleaner, cheaper and secure power. 

“The cutting-edge technology in our Battery Energy Storage System will reinforce the Northern Territory as the solar capital of Australia. It will store power and be the backbone of the Darwin to Katherine Electricity grid. 

“The Territory Labor Government is backing Territorians, solar and lower prices to get it done,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said. 

In December of last year, Hitachi Energy was awarded the contract to deliver a major component of the project. This major component is the company’s virtual synchronous machine technology that will replace the existing thermal generation. 

Battery installation works are expected to commence later this year, with DK BESS operational in 2023. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Northern Territory Government – Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; PV Magazine Australia; Renew Economy