South Australia’s largest grid-scale battery energy park has been proposed to be built in the Limestone Coast – just outside Mount Gambier.
The proposal is led by UK energy storage developer Pacific Green and construction is expected to commence in 2024 if approved.
The park will have a 0.5GW / 1.5GWh battery which can store nearly 60% of South Australia’s residential solar output for up to four hours, providing a substantial boost to the grid stability in the area.
This development is anticipated to contribute significantly to maintaining manageable energy costs for households in South Australia.
The Limestone Coast Energy Park is poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating the state’s transition to a net-zero carbon footprint.
Upon becoming operational, the facility is projected to prevent an annual emission of approximately 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide by discharging renewable power to the grid during evening peak times and overnight.
Pacific Green managing director Australia Joel Alexander expressed enthusiasm for South Australia’s renewable energy advancements.
“South Australia is already well on the way to being a renewable energy powerhouse, and we are excited to accelerate towards its net-zero goals,” he said.
“Our Energy Park in Limestone Coast will be the largest in South Australia – benefitting energy customers locally and across SA by helping to stabilise the grid and ensuring the state’s vast renewable energy resources are captured.”
The park would be located next to the South East Substation just 10km outside Mount Gambier.
“We are delighted to have secured the rights to the strategic site adjacent to the South East substation,” Mr Alexander said.
“This enables us to connect straight into the grid and start supporting stability immediately without the need for any new local transmission infrastructure.”
Pacific Green said the park would integrate with existing transmission infrastructure, ensuring minimal impact on the local landscape and communities, and will be surrounded by a corridor of native vegetation.
Additionally, the energy park will benefit from Pacific Green’s technical engineering and undergo comprehensive safety and security testing to meet industry standards.
The proposed battery boasts an initial lifespan of 25 years, with advancements in cell technology providing the potential for increased sustainability through continual renewal and enhancement.
The project is currently under review through a development application with the state government.
A public information session will be held in Mount Gambier on November 30 between 2pm to 7pm at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre to address public inquiries and provide further information.
