Australia is set to witness a surge in big battery projects over the next couple of years. These transformative battery energy storage systems are being spearheaded by solar farms, energy generators, and major industry players. Why such a surge and what to consider in a large-scale BESS project?
Driving renewable energy goals
At the forefront of this surge is Australia’s ambitious renewable energy targets. The country is on a path to transition from centralised fossil fuel-based energy sources to decentralised renewable energy. To meet these goals, the adoption of BESS projects has become an increasingly important part of the energy mix.
More than just batteries
While procuring the batteries themselves might seem like the easy part, the real challenge lies in the intricate process of connecting and integrating these systems into the existing energy network and portfolio. This is what we refer to as the ‘electrical balance of plant (EBOP),’ encompassing crucial components such as substations, reticulation, and control schemes. EBOP is core to the energy and infrastructure services offered by Yurika.
Building the infrastructure
Building a substation to connect to the medium voltage network and designing and installing control scheme integration are just two examples of the complex infrastructure required for a successful battery project. Beyond the battery itself, numerous components need to be designed, procured, and installed.
Unprecedented demand
With the Australian network signalling a substantial pipeline of BESS projects, a significant issue has arisen – supply cannot keep pace with the burgeoning demand. Local Australian manufacturers are in high demand, but international suppliers have also entered the fray. It’s become common to see companies across various countries collaborating on the engineering, design, and manufacturing of these cutting-edge systems.
Beyond lithium-ion
Although lithium-ion batteries are currently the industry standard, the future is teeming with alternatives. Forward-thinking innovators are exploring options like vanadium flow, iron flow, and zinc bromine batteries. Prototypes of large-scale gravity batteries are also on the horizon, marking an exciting frontier in battery technology.
The future of energy
It’s clear that battery energy storage is shaping the future of energy production and consumption. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. When considering the addition of batteries to your energy mix, it’s essential to factor in the intricate web of the electrical balance of plant.
Yurika is here to help
Our experienced team is ready to assist. Whether you’re a solar farm, a generator, or an energy company, the path to seamless integration can be navigated with expert guidance.
If you’re ready to embrace the future of energy and harness the potential of BESS on your next project, our team is here to help. Together, we can connect you to a sustainable energy future.