Australia funds novel energy storage trials in WA microgrids

The trial will be led by Horizon Power.

The Australian Government has provided around $1.86m (A$2.85m) funding to support the trial of two novel long-duration energy storage technologies at remote microgrids in Western Australia.

In a statement, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said Horizon Power will install and trial the two technologies–Redflow’s zinc-bromine flow battery with a 100 kW/400 kWh capacity and BASF’s sodium sulphate battery with 250 kW/1,450 kWh–in the microgrids in Nullagine and Carnarvon, respectively.

“Renewable dispatchable technologies such as solar PV and wind combined with lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, and pumped hydro are well established, however, there are characteristics of each that may not be suited to all locations, particularly in locations with extreme heat,” said ARENA CEO Darren Miller.

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“Horizon Power’s project, if proven successful, could see these innovative battery technologies become an important part of our energy mix in regional communities,” he added.

The project will check the capability of each technology to shift rooftop solar electricity in the middle of the day to evening hours and display hybrid operability.

ARENA added that the two batteries can operate in higher ambient temperatures over long periods and maintain reliable power with a lower degradation.

$1 = A$1.53