Battery storage completes renewables investment in Mannum
South Australian energy infrastructure company Epic Energy is investing approximately $130 million in a standalone battery storage solution that will support the state’s ongoing energy security and energy transition.
To be located 90 kilometres east of Adelaide and adjacent Epic Energy’s two solar farms at Mannum, the battery energy storage solution will feature high-cycle capacity LFP cells and provide approximately 220 MWh DC of energy storage.
Epic Energy Chief Executive Officer Clive D’Cruz says the standalone project will create much needed energy storage to support the supply of excess renewable energy to the grid during peak periods and to enhance stability.
“The battery energy storage solution will absorb surplus energy during times of low demand that can then be directed into the grid to help support the consistent supply of renewable electricity to South Australian consumers, and the national grid, in peak periods,” he said.
“This solution rounds out our investment at the current Mannum site where we own two solar farms capturing 46 MWp of the Riverland’s saturated sunlight to provide clean energy to industrial customers.
“Using technology provided by Canadian Solar subsidiary e-STORAGE, construction of the standalone battery energy storage solution will commence in the second quarter of 2024, with completion expected in the second half of 2025.”
The e-STORAGE solution features a top-tier active balancing battery management system and an efficient thermal management system.
e-STORAGE President Colin Parkin said the company was excited to collaborate with Epic Energy as it expands its renewable energy portfolio in Australia.
“The Mannum project will support Australia’s roadmap for the efficient development of its energy network and facilitate the integration of new renewable generation sources,” Mr Parkin said.
Epic Energy is investing in a portfolio of renewable energy assets for its customers, with infrastructure ranging from wind and solar farms in regional parts of South Australia and Victoria, to microgrids and standalone storage.
It also owns and operates a gas pipeline network spanning 1,200km across South Australia, and has been selected by the Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia to progress the Early Contractor Involvement phase of the State Government’s Hydrogen Jobs Plan project with a focus on the development of a dual-purpose renewable hydrogen storage and transmission pipeline.
“We are committed to leveraging our expertise to embrace new energy directions that support Australia’s energy transition,” Mr D’Cruz said.