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SolarEdge Technologies’ Energy Storage Division has teamed up with Pacific Energy to drive decarbonization in Australia’s mining and utility sectors by providing advanced large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) nationwide. Together, they have already supplied 55MWh of BESS and have more than 66MWh in development, set to reach the national market in the next two years.
The collaboration began in 2019 with Pacific Energy’s Esperance hybrid power system, where SolarEdge provided the battery rack systems for a 1.3MWh BESS. This system integrates wind, solar, and gas, utilizing sophisticated grid stabilization technology known as virtual generation, which enhances renewable energy penetration while maintaining a stable power supply for the town.
Since then, the partnership has delivered several cutting-edge BESS to Australian miners and utilities, including a 42MW/19MWh system for Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect project. This project supports two of Fortescue’s operations and was one of the largest network-connected BESS developed for mining applications at the time of delivery.
The BESS plays a crucial role in ensuring grid stability by providing virtual spinning reserve, significantly lowering fossil fuel usage and delivering rapid power bursts within milliseconds of grid disturbances—capabilities made possible by SolarEdge’s advanced battery technology.
Combining SolarEdge’s high-performance lithium-ion battery technology with Pacific Energy’s comprehensive service delivery model, the partnership offers clients exceptional support throughout the entire process, from system design and manufacturing to installation and maintenance.
As demand for renewable integration surges, the complexity of power system design increases, making tailored battery solutions essential for operational reliability.Craig Blizard, Pacific Energy’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “We work with SolarEdge because they deliver a premium product, and because they understand that each of our clients’ battery needs are different. Collaborating so closely with an OEM of this calibre means we can maximise the technical capabilities of the battery technology to deliver sophisticated, fit-for-purpose systems that are helping decarbonise our clients’ operations, whether that’s by providing virtual spinning reserve and energy shifting capability, or by absorbing fault currents and stabilising renewable energy systems. Now, we have refined our capabilities to the point where we can confidently expand into the east coast market and use our industry leading BESS to respond to frequency changes and grid disturbances in the National Electricity Market.” |
