Hybrid Systems Australia (HSA) has delivered Western Australia’s largest network-integrated battery energy storage system for Fortescue Metals Group’s Pilbara Energy Connect project. The system includes 42 MW of interconnected battery storage, making it one of the world’s largest network-connected BESS for a mining application.
The batteries are developed alongside solar and low-emissions gas-fired generation owned and operated by Fortescue as part of its Pilbara Energy Connect program, and they will store energy from Fortescue’s planned 150 MW of nearby solar power.
The primary role of the batteries is for grid stability and support, providing spinning reserve backup to any gas generation outages or sudden changes in solar output.
They use industry-leading grid-stabilizing control systems, including millisecond-response capabilities and Kokam battery technology, to provide greater protection against load spikes and dips and ensure overall network stability.
The batteries are expected to enable mining activities to be powered by more renewable energy and cut the annual carbon emissions of the mines.
HSA, which designed, installed, and commissioned the 42 MW of interconnected battery storage for two Fortescue mine sites, is an integrated renewable energy subsidiary of Pacific Energy.
“Our industry-leading design, network integration experience and strong partnerships meant we could readily deliver a large-scale solution that will allow Fortescue to continue its rapid upscale of renewable capacity and deliver on its real zero targets,” said Mike Hall, Executive Director of Hybrid Systems Australia.
Source: INTERNATIONAL MINING
Image of Bess Unit (Project Solomon) at FMG Pilbara: Pacific Energy