Report outlines battery storage opportunities in NSW

Many of the proposed solar and wind farms approved for New South Wales include the potential for future utility-scale battery storage, according to a new report.

The report, Opportunities for Utility Scale Battery Storage in NSW, outlines the market and the potential for opportunities in utility-scale battery storage in NSW.

The report was produced by the Australian Energy Storage Alliance (AESA) in partnership with AECOM and supported by the NSW Energy and Resources Knowledge Hub through the NSW Department of Industry.

It outlines the development of solar and wind farms in NSW and includes initiatives of the NSW state government towards preparing for the future grid, such as positioning NSW as a renewable energy hub.

AESA industry executive Mary Hendriks said the report presented an overview of the opportunities for utility-scale, grid-connected battery storage systems.

It discusses the opportunities in various areas, such as demand management, network support, generation support, ancillary services and market trading, as well as the technical, commercial and regulatory risks that may be involved.

“Utility-scale battery storage is widely viewed as being a key enabling technology that is likely to play a critical role in ensuring the provision of a secure and reliable electricity system in a future of high penetration variable renewable energy,” she said.

There is currently no utility-scale battery storage connected in NSW.

AECOM principal consultant Abbie McQueen said the report would help accelerate and support a sustainable transition for the NSW energy industry.

“The scheduled closure of thermal plants, the rapid uptake of renewable energy, and networks that are seeing localised constraints as demand changes, means we need to ensure security of supply and reliability through enabling demand responsiveness and sufficient renewable generation capacity on the grid,” Ms McQueen said.

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