French developer Neoen has won a 197 MW storage contract with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The deal is for the Collie Big battery in Western Australia, with the first phase scheduled to begin commercial operations by October 2024.
Neoen has contracted AEMO to supply most of the first stage capacity for its 1 GW/4 GWh large battery in Collie, Western Australia. The goal of the battery project is to intervene in the solar duck curve and ensure more even energy supplies.
With this agreement, Neoen has now given the green light to technology partner Tesla and CIMIC Group-owned construction contractor UGL to begin construction of the first phase. Neoen has said that the first phase is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2024, but with the AEMO agreement coming into effect on October 1, 2024, this would appear to be a tight deadline.
Neoen’s spokesperson said pv-lehti Australia that it decided to assemble the battery at a higher capacity, 22MW above the agreed 197MW, to provide a “reasonable buffer” to ensure the agreed power is delivered at the connection point.
Continue reading by visiting pv-lehti Australia website.
