G’day mates! Let’s dive into some electrifying news from down under. Equis Developments, the brains behind the colossal Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub battery, is gearing up for an encore. And guess what? They’re looking to spice things up with flow batteries and a whopping 12 hours of storage!
First things first, if you haven’t heard about the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub battery project, mate, you’re in for a treat. This Aussie giant is set to be a powerhouse with 600MW and 1600MWh of lithium-ion battery goodness. That’s massive! But hold on to your hats; the next stage could be even more colossal.
Equis and the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SEC) have joined forces for this energy extravaganza. The current project consists of three 200MW components, each flexing different storage durations – two with two hours and one with four. But, and here’s the exciting part, the next stage might be a game-changer.
Picture this: flow batteries swooping in with 12 hours of storage! ?? Yep, you heard it right. These aren’t your typical lithium-ion buddies; flow batteries bring deeper storage without the fiery drama. Equis has been playing around with various technologies in South Korea, experimenting with different chemistries like vanadium and iron. Fancy stuff, huh?
David Russell, the Chief Executive Roo (CERO, to be precise) at Equis, spills the beans on their experiments. “We are looking at the different chemistries as we speak,” says Russell. And guess what? They’ve already snagged a tender for a 34MW long-duration battery system in South Korea. Talk about a renewable energy playground!
Now, let’s talk strategy. Equis is eyeing that sweet spot between commercial viability and environmental goodness. Their focus is on the evening peaks and providing grid services. But wait, there’s more. The SEC is joining the party as an equity partner and snagging a four-hour component. This part of the gig aims to balance and firm up power for the SEC’s portfolio of wind and solar contracts. It’s like a dance between batteries and the grid, and everyone’s invited!
Russell spills the tea on their Aussie projects, including the Calala battery in NSW, the Lower Wonga battery in Queensland, and the Koolunga battery in South Australia. These aren’t your average batteries; they’re built for a two-hour storage dance, though that might change with the market vibes.
Equis is all about that merchant focus, making sure things stack up commercially. Russell spills the beans on their game plan, saying, “What we think works best is a partnership approach with states – partner with equity and provide a portion under a contract basis, and a portion could be merchant traded.”
And here’s the kicker – this partnership with the SEC is a groundbreaking move, and Russell believes other governments might jump on the bandwagon. We’re witnessing a revolution, folks!
So, there you have it – Melbourne’s gearing up for an energy fiesta that might just change the game. Flow batteries, longer storage, and a partnership that’s setting the stage for a greener future. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie – Oi, Oi, Oi!