5 MW Li-ion battery in Vic and clean energy for NSW

Energy Storage Solutions (E22), part of Grupo Gransolar (GRS), has started the installation of lithium-ion batteries in Longwarry, Victoria, to supply Ausnet’s distribution network with 5 to 7.5 MW capacity to address changing demand during summer and peak usage periods. It is E22’s first storage system manufacture, supply and installation project in Australia.

The energy storage system will include installation of the EMS and power control systems. This system will allow the distribution network to quickly respond to peak periods of higher usage. The five-year agreement between E22 and Ausnet will also ensure the system is supported with ongoing maintenance once built.

E22 General Manager Jaime Vega commented, “Starting our first project in the Australian market has been challenging and rewarding. Supplying Ausnet with solar surge power is the start of many partnerships to come opening up more markets.”

The project started in early November 2020 and is expected to be completed in early 2021, dependent on a successful network connection process.

Vega continued, “2020 has been a difficult year for us all, starting a project like this towards the end of it continues our successes for the year and sets us up for a strong 2021.”

The installation of E22’s first lithium-ion battery in Australia strengthens Grupo Gransolar’s position as a storage EPC contractor.

Solar project in NSW

GRS has also successfully energised Amp Energy’s Molong Solar Farm, in Central West New South Wales. This is the preliminary step towards its commissioning and the start of grid connection tests. The 80-hectare photovoltaic project contains 89,088 photovoltaic modules and 1024 solar trackers. It has an installed capacity of 39 MWp, which produces approximately 78,000 MWh of clean energy per year. Once the installation reaches 100% production capacity, it will supply energy to around 11,000 Australian homes, saving approximately 53,585 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The Spanish-owned company has built Molong Solar Farm within schedule, despite significant challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

GRS Australian Managing Director Carlos López commented: “The work of all those involved during these months has been fantastic; I’d like to congratulate their efforts to adapt so well to the challenges brought by the pandemic. The completion of the Molong Solar Farm, completed on time, is another successful development in our growing Australian operations.”

Image caption: Molong Solar Farm