Following the win at the Victorian Government’s renewable energy auction, Acciona is set to begin construction on the new 157.5MW Mortlake South wind farm next year with a potential battery storage to be included in the project. Acciona is projected to have a capital expenditure of approximately $288 million for this development.
“This auction result broadens and deepens our investment in Victoria and Australia more generally. We’re pleased that our track record and long-term, low-risk focus has been recognised,” Acciona Energy Australia Managing Director Brett Wickham said.
The battery storage - which will have a capacity between 5MW and 7MW - is going to be installed as a trial to test its capabilities to store excess generated power as well as time shifting output and if it can provide network service and fast frequency response and control.
“We want to put it in to model and test what batteries are going to do in future, so we understand the bidding model for batteries, and how we might use them for network support, fast frequency response, FCAS etc,” Mr Wickham said.
The Mortlake South renewable energy project is going to be the second wind farm in Victoria to have battery storage installed - the other being the Bulgana Green Power Hub.
Once completed, the wind farm is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 80,000 households.
Mortlake South wind farm is expected to create up to 100 jobs which includes approximately 10 positions once it is operational.
“We are looking forward to working with the Government, local suppliers and local communities to get these facilities up and running,” Mr Wickham added.
The new wind farm is expected to be completed by mid-2020.
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Source: Acciona; Renew Economy; Renewables Now
