As Australia forges ahead to a net-zero future, the need for innovative and scalable renewable energy solutions has never been more pressing.
At this key transition point on the path to a clean-energy future, Pacific Green, a global leader in the renewable energy sector, has entered Australia with a mission to accelerate the net-zero transition worldwide.
With a long track record in the UK, where the company has successfully delivered one operational battery park totalling 100 megawatt hours (MWh) and has another 375MWh facility under construction, Pacific Green has set its sights on the growing Australian market.
“We are positioning Pacific Green to become one of the largest battery park developers in the Southern Hemisphere,” Pacific Green Australia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Joel Alexander told ecogeneration.
Pacific Green is targeting more than 12GWh of battery energy storage capacity across four global markets; Australia and Italy remain hotspots for significant pipeline expansion, with the company also seeking to recharge its origination portfolio in the maturing UK market, as well as taking its first steps into the nascent Polish market.
Leading the charge in Pacific Green’s Australian ventures are two ground-breaking projects: the Limestone Coast Energy Park in South Australia and the Portland Energy Park in Victoria.
The Limestone Coast Energy Park, a mammoth 1.5 gigawatt-per-hour (GWh) battery facility, will be located adjacent to the South East Substation, a critical interconnector between SA and Victoria. This strategic positioning will not only provide vital grid stability and security but also enable the energy park to serve as a backup power source, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply to both states.
The Portland Energy Park in Victoria, poised to become the largest battery energy storage system in Australia and Asia at 1GW/2.5GWh, will play a pivotal role in supporting existing and proposed renewable energy projects within the state’s Southwest Renewable Energy Zone, as the nearby Alcoa smelter accounts for approximately 10 per cent of Victoria’s energy demand.
The significance of these large-scale battery storage projects cannot be overstated, as they hold the key to enabling a more stable and reliable renewable energy grid moving forward.
“Our battery parks will provide relief against wholesale volatility and contribute to overall peak price reduction, ” Alexander said.
To underline the point, Alexander cited modelling from Cornwall Insights Australia, which suggested that the Portland Energy Park could result in 3.8 per cent reduction in wholesale energy costs for Victorian households alone.
Moreover, these battery facilities will act as catalysts for increased renewable energy generation, enabling solar and wind farms to remain online during periods of low or negative pricing by providing a constant load for charging the batteries.
“Where our battery can soak up more solar and wind, and those solar and wind farms can stay online to support the transition to net-zero, that’s a really positive outcome,” Alexander said.
Pacific Green’s success in Australia is underpinned by its ability to leverage international expertise and resources from its global operations.
The company’s UK team brings vital knowledge in corporate finance and project bankability, ensuring each project meets the stringent criteria required to secure non-recourse project financing.
This expertise, coupled with Pacific Green’s strategic partnership with leading battery manufacturers in China, including a dedicated team of over 30 employees in Shanghai, provides a competitive edge in supply chain management, quality control, and timely delivery of project-critical equipment to site.
Navigating the complexities of developing and constructing large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects is no small feat, but Pacific Green is well-equipped and ready to handle the challenge.
One of the most significant challenges lies in navigating the complexities of grid connections and power systems.
“The Australian market is experiencing a lot of activity at the moment, and the power system studies required to achieve GPS (generator performance standards) are complex and time-consuming,” Alexander said.
To address this issue, Pacific Green is leveraging proven technologies and fostering open and transparent relationships with network operators, helping to ensure compliance with technical characteristics and timelines.
Another area in which Pacific Green takes particular pride is its collaboration with traditional owners. In the case of the Portland Energy Park, the company has worked closely with the Gunditjmara people, redesigning aspects of the project following site visits and consultations.
“We believe in engaging with key stakeholders and community members as early in the planning process as possible,” Alexander said. “In turn, this leads to a really positive outcome for not only Traditional Owners but also the broader community.”
Community engagement is a cornerstone of Pacific Green’s approach, with the company hosting dedicated community information sessions to engage with community members and discuss feedback from local residents.
“There’s an overwhelming sense of support across both communities,” Alexander said. “We are committed to being open and transparent with each of our communities regarding what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and articulating the community benefits of each project.”
Among these benefits is the creation of regional employment opportunities, with Pacific Green committed to engaging local contractors, suppliers and businesses where possible. The company is currently in the process of determining work packages that will offer opportunities ranging from hospitality and accommodation to site works and groundworks.
Pacific Green’s commitment to Australia’s energy transition extends far beyond the construction of battery storage facilities. The company is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future through strategic partnerships, community empowerment, and innovative solutions.
By collaborating with indigenous communities, local businesses and industry experts, Pacific Green ensures its projects contribute not only to a cleaner energy future but also create long-lasting positive impacts on the communities they serve.
With a global footprint and a track record of success, Pacific Green is poised to play a pivotal role in propelling Australia towards its net-zero targets. As the nation embraces a future powered by clean, sustainable sources, the company is leading the charge towards a greener, more resilient Australia.
For more information, visit pacificgreen.com/aus
This article featured in the April edition of ecogeneration.
For more renewable and solar news, subscribe to ecogeneration.