APA Group is constructing large-scale solar generation and battery energy storage facilities in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The 45MW AC solar photovoltaic (PV) generation facility and the 35MW / 36.7MWh battery energy storage system will accompany the existing Port Hedland power station, which is owned and operated by APA.
Also part of the project, a 1km 33kV cable will be constructed to link the Port Hedland solar PV facility to the existing Port Hedland power station, and the existing 66kV switchyard at Port Hedland power station will be extended for the new generation facilities.
These new assets are expected to supply renewable energy for large mining customers in the Pilbara.
The project is expected to be operational by late 2024.
The Western Australian Government has committed funding support of $1.5 million for the battery energy storage system as part of its Clean Energy Future Fund (CEFF). The storage system replaces spinning reserve provided by the gas-fired power station (via burning gas), with energy stored in the battery to provide instant support to the grid when needed.
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