Ark Energy wins grid approval for solar-battery project in New South Wales

Construction is targeted to commence later this year.

Ark Energy has secured approval to connect its Richmond Valley Solar Farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) project in northern New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to the National Electricity Market.

The project received 5.3.4.A/B letters confirming compliance with Generator Performance Standards and has received clearance from the Australian Energy Market Operator and Transgrid.

Construction on the project is targeted to commence later this year. It will use the 330 kilovolts network via a planned Richmond Valley Switching Station.

The project underwent power system modelling, simulations, network studies and workshops before receiving approval.

Ark Energy will develop the project as a hybrid facility combining a 200 megawatts alternating current solar farm and a 275 megawatts / 2,200 megawatt-hours lithium-iron phosphate BESS.

The design includes grid-forming inverter technology and a single point of connection for both the solar and battery assets.

Michael Choi, CEO of Ark Energy, said grid connection approval allows progression towards financial close and construction.

Ark Energy is developing a portfolio of utility-scale renewable generation and storage projects in NSW, Queensland and Tasmania.