APA Group is advancing renewable energy in Western Australia with the construction of the Port Hedland Solar and Battery Projects.
The initiative, which includes a 45 megawatt alternating current (MWAC) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility and a 35 megawatt (MW) / 36.7 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system, will support large mining operations in the Pilbara region.
As the owner and operator, APA Group said the project is set to complement the existing Port Hedland Power Station (PHPS). Construction began in 2023, and the project is expected to be operational by late 2024.
APA Group shared on LinkedIn that the company is excited to share “a major milestone” in the construction of the Port Hedland Solar Farm and Battery Western Australia.
“All 34,016 piles have been successfully installed, marking significant progress in just eight weeks,” the company said.
“This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire project team including Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute and Monford Group, and the collaborative efforts of all involved.”
The new infrastructure consists of the solar PV generation facility, the BESS, a one-kilometre 33 kilovolt (kV) cable connecting the solar PV facility to PHPS, and an extension of the 66kV switchyard at PHPS.
The Western Australian Government has committed $1.5 million from its Clean Energy Future Fund to support the BESS. This funding will help replace the spinning reserve currently provided by the gas-fired power station with energy stored in the battery, offering instant grid support when needed.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.