How Horizon Power are developing their microgrid capability

PRESS RELEASE

Last year Horizon Power deployed Western Australia’s first multi-function utility grade battery in Carnarvon.

The battery – which is capable of generating 2 MW of power for one hour – will be used to optimise spinning reserve and is expected to save hundreds of thousands in maintenance and fuel costs in the process.

The initiative was praised by WA Energy Minister Ben Wyatt MLA who described it as an “incredibly innovative project” which will stimulate multiple opportunities in the renewable and distributed energy space.

This year Horizon Power is further developing its microgrid capability as it delivers a pipeline of other new and exciting battery projects.

Horizon Power’s Commissioning Manager Vi Garrood is due to speak at the Large Scale Solar Conference – 27-28 June in Sydney – and will touch on some of the challenges and opportunities the utility has encountered since undertaking large scale battery projects.

“We are currently in the process of commissioning stage 1 of the Onslow project, which is our second large scale BESS (battery energy storage system)”, said Vi.

“Only once you start to test and commission a system, do you fully understand how that piece of equipment behaves”.

“A particular challenge has been integrating the new technology into traditionally designed power systems. As well as assessing the cost-benefit of each of the many possible functions of the BESS.”

Vi Garrood will discuss Horizon Power’s battery projects, including updates on the rigorous testing in Carnarvon as part of the battery’s 12-month trial, at the Large Scale Solar Conference – due to take place 27-28 June 2018 in Sydney.

Learn more and book your place.