Energy Storage

Carnegie Clean Energy has been awarded a $471,000 grant to develop a solar and battery storage solution for the supply of offshore oil and gas platforms. The grant has been provided National Energy Resources Australia (NERA), a body that aims to enhance the competitiveness of Australia’s non-renewable energy sector.

Annual solar installations grew almost 20% year over year in 2017, and the solar industry is also edging within 100 gigawatts, a milestone the industry will reach this year, according to IHS Markit, a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions.

Market analysts IHS Markit believes Australia installed some 7,000 – 8,000 residential storage systems in 2017. “Really strong growth” is expected this year as the economics continue to improve.

WA grid operator Western Power has launched a tender to provide stand-alone power systems in up to 60 locations. Building on a trial program, the systems will include solar and battery storage supported with backup diesel generators.

Home builder Mirvac is partnering with the CEFC to provide rooftop PV and battery storage systems for more than 300 new family homes. The renewable energy systems will include 5.1 kW rooftop systems and 10 kWh batteries.

Panel discussion at Energy Storage Europe tackled the issue of whether the best way for keeping the lights on as economies around the world grow is to extend the grid network or add energy storage, and found that the best solution lies somewhere in between.

German energy storage producer Varta Storage has entered the Australian market. It is introducing the pulse 3 and pulse 6 models, sized at 3.3 kWh and 6.5 kWh.

German energy storage system manufacturer Tesvolt has launched a new battery storage system designed to withstand testing outdoor applications. The TS HV 70 can be equipped with up to four battery racks and inverters, allowing it to scale from 67 kWh up to 307 kWh.

German energy storage provider Younicos is introducing C&I battery storage systems on a rental basis. The company says service is ideal for offgrid industries such as the Australian mining sector.

Retailer Powershop Australia is partnering with Reposit Power to offer a customers with rooftop PV and battery storage a quarterly payment plan in exchange for access to customers’ batteries. The Virtual Power Plant program will be called Grid Impact and Powershop says it will help stabilise the electricity network.