New solar and battery project to support SA grid

Australian renewable energy company Flow Power has secured development approval to build a new solar and battery project 70 km south-east of Adelaide.

The Monarto Energy Project will consist of a 5 MW solar farm and up to 15 MWh of battery storage. This site is the first of four nearly identical projects that Flow Power plans to construct in the region over the next 12 months, with the intention of delivering clean energy and grid stability to the region and state.

When it is up and running, the Monarto Energy Project will supply renewable energy while supporting the local grid during periods of peak demand. It will also provide frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) to help stabilise grid frequency and strengthen the region’s energy resilience.

“The Monarto Energy Project is situated in a great spot, with high annual irradiance, a strong network connection, and compatible land use,” said Tom Harrison, Flow Power General Manager – Energy Projects.

“Designed as a solar farm with up to 15 MWh of DC-coupled battery energy storage, Monarto will be able to reliably deliver firm renewable energy to the region long after the sun has set.

“The team and I are looking forward to working with SA Power Networks, and our local contractors, community members and stakeholders to make this another successful Flow Power project,” Harrison said.

Flow Power said the project complemented its existing renewable portfolio, which includes a 40 MW, 10-year power purchase agreement with Neoen’s Goyder South Stage 1 Wind Farm, part of the Goyder Renewables Zone near Burra.

By developing both wind and solar projects, Flow Power aims to contract more renewable energy to its South Australian business customers, meeting a growing demand for net-zero energy solutions.

“Monarto will be the fourth Flow Power project constructed in South Australia, and our fourth DC-coupled solar farm and BESS in the NEM,” Harrison said. “Flow Power is proud to continue to play a role in South Australia’s transition to renewable energy, and we’re committed to working closely with the Monarto community to deliver benefits that go beyond energy.”

Together with the three remaining sites (pending approvals), the Monarto Energy Project will scale up to 20 MW of solar capacity and 60 MWh of battery storage. Construction of all four sites is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

For more information about Flow Power’s renewable energy projects, visit: flowpower.com.au/renewable-energy-projects/.

Image caption: Monarto Energy Project site. Image courtesy of Flow Power.