Distribution-grid-scale battery storage system completed in Qld

Electrical engineering firm NOJA Power has recently completed construction of the Black River Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Townsville, designed by Australian engineering consultants Yurika.

The Battery Energy Storage equipment, 5 MW of Tesla batteries, was connected to the medium-voltage distribution grid through a NOJA Power GMK Ground Mount Kiosk Circuit Breaker.

The Black River BESS is among the first distribution-grid-scale battery storage systems. This system improves the networks’ ability to integrate more renewable energy by improving system strength for ‘asynchronous generation’ such as solar power.

“As the world targets net carbon zero by 2050, a large amount of storage will be required at all levels of the grid,” said NOJA Power Group Managing Director Neil O’Sullivan.

“This BESS system where our GMK product provides the direct connection to the medium-voltage grid is a great example of the type of systems that will ultimately be rolled out globally.”

This BESS installation is the first in a large program of similar works throughout Queensland, where it is expected there will be a significant rollout of BESS systems connecting the distribution network over the coming years. The resulting increase in storage capacity will support grid stability under high renewable penetration, where engineers report Queensland rooftop solar already exceeds base load coal generation in the middle of the day.

For more information, visit www.nojapower.com.au/product/gmk.