South Australian energy infrastructure company, Epic Energy, is making a substantial investment of around $130 million in an independent battery storage solution.
The battery storage project is positioned 90km east of Adelaide, using high-cycle capacity LFP cells and will offer an impressive 220MWh DC of energy storage.
The battery project will be adjoining Epic Energy’s two solar farms in Mannum, collectively fortifying SA’s energy security and advancing its transition to renewable energy.
Clive D’Cruz, Epic Energy’s chief executive officer, emphasised the critical role this standalone battery project would play in supporting energy supply during peak periods and improving 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,” D’Cruz said.
According to Epic Energy, the battery solution uses technology from Canadian Solar subsidiary e-STORAGE, and its construction is set to commence in the second quarter of 2024, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2025.
The e-STORAGE solution integrates a top-tier active balancing battery management system and an efficient thermal management system.
Colin Parkin, President of e-STORAGE, 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,” Parkin said.
According to Epic Energy, it 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 1200km 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.
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