HIVE battery systems being rapidly deployed across Australia
Detailed planning has begun for more than twenty battery energy storage systems in the Hunter Valley, NSW, with hundreds more planned for the State and other states soon to follow.
Initiated by the Clean Energy Transfer Fund as key tolling partner for HIVE Battery Developments, this move will help provide grid stability within the local system, thereby enhancing energy security for large industrials in the area, such as mining.
According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the mining sector is one of the biggest consumers of energy and they have traditionally had to rely on diesel, natural gas and grid electricity.
This new battery energy storage system will provide more clean energy options to the Hunter Valley region and its energy users, including local miners.
Clean Energy Transfer Fund co-founder and managing director Rob Ashdown says he is proud to bring this new technology to Australia to rapidly deploy a network of renewable energy storage where it is most needed.
“The world is decarbonising, but without urgent investment in quick, coordinated and dispatchable storage, Australia will struggle to meet our ambitious targets,” he said.
“Large grid-scale batteries have long lead times, require massive capital investment, and are competing for funding in an increasingly competitive environment.”
The quick deployment of these grid-compatible batteries is made possible through a technology known as a HIVE Battery.
A HIVE Battery is distributed as 10 battery systems at various host sites and connected to the existing power grid, providing a combined capability of up to 49.9MW/200Mwh – the equivalent to a traditional grid-scale battery energy storage system.
“Project HIVE is a smarter way to help Australia’s energy networks evolve,” Mr Ashdown said.
“Our innovative HIVE concept allows us to rapidly and efficiently deploy coordinated and cost-effective energy storage solutions, which could play a major role in Australia’s renewable energy transition.”
The HIVE system can also be installed when and where it is needed most, especially in industries that require more dynamic energy requirements, such as the mining sector.
Ausgrid has been a key supporter of HIVE batteries, with the first two HIVEs to be located across privately-owned rural properties close to Ausgrid substations in the Hunter Valley, NSW, including Seaham, Polkobin, Rothbury, Denman, Aberdeen and Scone in the Muswellbrook region.
“We’ve been blown away by the response from local landowners, many of whom are keen to help support the renewable energy transition by renting out a small corner of their property,” Mr Ashdown said.
“The positive response from landowners, network operators and regulators, means we will now move into other parts of NSW, while also planning for expansion into Victoria and Queensland and later into WA.”
