Local companies lead WA power system rollout

Local companies are set to benefit from Western Power’s $8.8 million power system rollout, which is believed to be the largest deployment of Stand-alone Power Systems (SPSs) in Australia.

Western Power will roll out SPS Round 1 in multiple geographical locations over the next 3 years, in which 57 sites across WA’s South-West are expected to receive SPS, including two nanogrids.

Perth-based Hybrid Systems and BayWA r.e. Solar Systems will supply the majority of the SPS units, utilising local engineering and construction expertise. The units are modular and scalable and range from less than 5 kWh, to supply electric fences and dam pumps, to 50 kWh for large-scale agricultural businesses.

SPSs use integrated hybrid systems comprising a renewable energy source, storage and/or back-up generator. These remote power supply systems provide an alternative to rebuilding ageing poles and wires, as well as improve customers’ power reliability.

Once installed and commissioned, the ongoing servicing and operation of the units will be provided by the vendors for a two-year period. Servicing the 57 SPS units, the majority of which will carry Magellan Power designed and engineered equipment, for their entire working life will save Western Power almost $6 million, compared to traditional network refurbishment.

Magellan Managing Director Masoud Abshar said: “For the past 10 years, Magellan Power has worked hard to stay in front of this new wave of technology and it is heartening to be recognised by Western Power as a main Australian manufacturer and supplier of state-of-the-art energy storage solutions.”

Round 1 of the rollout will help to further demonstrate that predominately renewable energy electricity systems can both improve regional power supplies and save money on network infrastructure. The project follows the successful trial of the technology on six properties in the Great Southern in 2016, which helped save customers from over 90 hours of outages in their second year.

“The McGowan government is committed to supporting WA companies involved in the renewable and battery technologies sector,” said Energy Minister Bill Johnston. “This announcement builds on the WA Future Battery Industry strategy, which shows the renewable energy industry is a massive opportunity for jobs in our state.”

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Lisa F. Young