Greentech Lead Australia: Australian energy storage
company Ecoult has been awarded the Hydro Tasmania contract to supply the
largest battery based renewable energy storage system in Australia for the King
Island Renewable Energy Integration Project (KIREIP).
Ecoult delivers complete energy storage solutions and
modules powered by the breakthrough UltraBattery technology — a hybrid
lead-acid energy storage device containing both an Ultracapacitor and a battery
in a common electrolyte.
The 3 MW / 1.6 MWh UltraBattery storage system will
complement other elements of Hydro Tasmania’s KIREIP, the aim of which is to
significantly reduce King Island’s reliance on diesel fuel to supply the
island’s energy needs. The storage system will have the capacity to power the
entire island for up to 45 minutes.
UltraBattery storage system would shift and smooth
renewable energy generated on King Island and will help maintain stability of
the power grid.
“Ecoult’s UltraBattery solutions support the
utilization of renewable energy by storing energy in periods where there is
excess generation and making it available when it is needed to better match
demand,” said Ecoult CEO John Wood.
“Ecoult energy storage solutions are an important
complement for renewable energy generation and this implementation is another
boost for the environment as it will support the overall KIREIP solution that
reduces reliance on diesel.”
Hydro Tasmania’s Manager of Renewable Asset Development
Simon Gamble said the KIREIP brings together a portfolio of new and existing
technologies, combined in novel ways to increase renewable energy
use on King Island.
“KIREIP will enable demonstration of a
world-leading power system that can deliver more than 65 per cent of
King Island’s annual needs from renewable energy, and do it without any loss of
reliability or grid stability and at a price lower than the diesel power
alternative,” Mr Gamble said.
“As well, the KIREIP will lower CO2
emissions by 95 percent through the use of sustainable clean energy
sources, including bio-diesel.”
KIREIP is an initiative of Hydro Tasmania and is being
developed with the assistance of the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy
Demonstration Program and the Tasmanian Government.