TEMPLERS will soon be the site of a $44 million battery energy storage system, capable of powering up to 3000 homes.
The RES Australia project will feature 20 battery energy storage units (resembling large shipping containers), on a site of about 1.5 hectares, adjacent the existing Templers substation, 3.5 kilometres west of Freeling.
According to the development application, which was approved by the State Planning Minister in October, the project will provide a maximum output of 30 megawatts of electricity for one hour.
It can act either as a generator or load, allowing for increased grid security during periods of high demand or during unforeseen network events.
RES Australia project development manager Steven Reid said the Templers project will have a key role to play in helping SA achieve its 100 per cent renewable energy target.
“The Templers Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is located adjacent to existing transmission and distribution infrastructure and is designed to help support the strength and reliability of the electricity grid,” Mr Reid said.
“RES has developed the project as part of a larger ecosystem of batteries designed to provide greater energy security for communities and businesses in South Australia.”
Mr Reid said the RES project team is currently in consultation with key investors and electricity retailers to bring the Templers BESS to market in late 2020.
Construction is expected to take about six to seven months, with the project then having an operational life of 15 years.
The chosen site is considered desirable due to its proximity to existing grid infrastructure, the availability of cleared land and its positioning away from townships.
RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company and is also behind the Twin Creek Wind Farm and the Pallamanna Solar Farm and Energy Storage projects.