Solar thermal study in South Australia

Natural gas and electricity provider Alinta Energy, with the support of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the South Australian government, is planning to undertake a $2.3 million feasibility study into solar thermal power generation at Port Augusta.

The study will involve an assessment and technical analysis of hybridised and standalone solar thermal power generation options for Alinta’s three Port Augusta power stations - the 272 MW Northern Power Stations (Units 1 and 2) and the 240 MW Playford B Power Station. Playford B has been in shutdown since October 2011 and Northern Power Station has operated almost exclusively from October to March since April 2012.

“Many of our coal-fired power stations are nearing the end of their life cycle, presenting a clear opportunity for renewable hybrid options,” said ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht.

“This timely study in South Australia will include a full feasibility stage exploring plant design, site and technical details.”

Alinta Energy CEO Jeff Dimery said the project will “build on the work already undertaken by Alinta Energy to further assess the potential role of solar resources and technology in our future operations in the region”. He thanked ARENA and the South Australian government for their $1 million and $130,000 contributions, respectively, as well as the Port Augusta community for its ongoing support.

The assessment will include:

• formal site selection based on environmental, infrastructure and community constraints;
• calibration and comprehensive assessment of solar resource data over a 12-month collection period;
• plant design options and performance modelling, including energy storage options;
• assessment of network connection capabilities;
• detailed life-cycle cost estimates and commercial analysis; and
• identified knowledge-sharing milestones.

It is said that the collaborative project will boost the nation’s solar thermal knowledge base and strengthen relationships between government, power generators, the solar thermal industry and the broader renewable energy sector.

Alinta Energy will release further information - including regular progress reports - on a dedicated website as the study progresses. The project is scheduled for completion by April 2016.