EMC joins forces with Infratec on distributed renewables, battery storage

The company behind one of Australia’s first large-scale community energy storage trials, Perth-based Energy Made Clean (EMC), has joined forces with New Zealand firm Infratec, a regional leader in renewable generation, transmission and distribution.

The two companies announced the strategic alliance last week, saying it would allow them to share resources, skills and technologies to bring a wider range of their off-grid and grid-connected hybrid renewable energy offerings to New Zealand, Oceania and other potential markets.

As reported on RenewEconomy last June, EMC was recently awarded the tender to supply a 1.2MWh battery system for the ground-breaking Alkimos Beach project in Western Australia.

The four-year trial project – due to start this year – is being conducted at a sustainable community development in Perth’s northern suburbs, led by WA gentailer Synergy, in partnership with property developers Lendlease and Landcorp.

The 1.2MWh lithium ion battery storage system will service more than 100 homes with rooftop solar panels, with the aim of testing the integration of energy storage into a traditional network, as part of the “next wave” of renewable energy technology.

EMC was also behind the successful installation of a 640kWh battery storage system to accompany a 325kW of solar on WA’s Thevenard Island.

The hybrid mini grid (pictured below) – designed and built entirely by EMC – was launched in December 2015 to supply the power needs of an eco-tourism resort on WA’s northwest Pilbara Coastal region.

Infratec, meanwhile, recently conducted a battery storage trial – using EMC’s technology – with Alpine Energy in New Zealand’s South Island.

“EMC are leaders in lithium-ion battery integration, microgrids and clean energy in Australia and their engineering expertise in the clean energy sector and advanced energy storage products will give Infratec a distinct advantage in the New Zealand and Oceania markets,” said Infratec general manager Luke van Zeller.

“EMCs stand-alone solar/ battery systems and solar water pumping are a perfect fit for rural customers in New Zealand seeking an alternative to connecting to the electricity network.”

EMC managing director John Davidson said Infratec would provide his company with a ready-made platform in the Oceania Region.

“We are convinced this alliance will help us both to grow the rapidly expanding application of our technology,” he said in a joint media statement.

“(It provides) an excellent opportunity to introduce our products to the New Zealand and the Oceania markets,” Davidson said.