Construction has begun for the Northern Territory’s $45 million big battery known as Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS), with earthworks finished, heavy foundations, in-ground services, and culverts well underway.
The 35MVA battery is anticipated to save $9.8 million in costs annually and pay for itself in about five years. Additionally, it will cut emissions by approximately 58,000 tonnes per annum.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Government and Territorians had backed renewables.
“The cutting-edge technology in our Battery Energy Storage System will reinforce the Northern Territory as the solar capital of Australia. It will store power and be the backbone of the Darwin to Katherine Electricity grid,” Minister Fyles stated.
The Darwin and Katherine Electricity System provides energy to 150,000 Territorians, and the DK BESS is the first step towards reducing the use of gas generators for the system.
According to the statement by the Northern Territory Government, the DK BESS will unlock additional capacity for households to connect their rooftop solar and for the industry to invest in lower-cost solar systems for commercial and industrial operations.
Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said the construction of DK BESS is a huge step toward the Government’s plan for 50 per cent renewables in 2030.
“Our future is renewables. This is why we are now in the BESS and hydrogen-powered generators so we can have clean and efficient energy to help reach our renewables and net zero emissions targets,” Minister Uibo stated.
Meanwhile, Territory Generation CEO Gerhard Laubscher said:
“The DK BESS not only delivers on a portion of the Government’s Darwin-Katherine Electricity System plan but is also a key to unlocking flexibility in our generation fleet to better manage the increasing impacts of solar on the system.”
The DK BESS is expected to be operational in 2023, with battery installation starting in late 2022.
