Essential Energy’s first trial network battery was launched near Port Macquarie on NSW’s Mid North Coast - the first on our 737,000 square kilometre network.
Sovereign Hills in Port Macquarie was the area chosen for the trial due to:
- Increasing and accelerated growth in the area
- Greater energy capacity and power quality needs
- An estimated future population growth of around 5-10 per cent by 2031.
Developed in partnership with AGL, the 2MWh Sovereign Hills Network Battery will negate the immediate need to upgrade the network.
The site hosts two 500kW / 1000kWh lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, which will allow Essential Energy to store and manage excess locally produced renewable energy. This energy will be captured and stored in the battery, then released into the network when needed.
The battery is funded 57% through the Regulated Asset Base and 43% through unregulated funding.
We are working with third parties, like AGL, to assist us transition and utilise new technologies and capability as it comes to market.
This first grid-scale battery is a milestone for Essential Energy, as we strive to deliver the energy network of the future, to support and enable rural, regional and remote communities throughout NSW.
Learn more about how the Sovereign Hills Network Battery is creating benefits for the local community in our media release, or watch or listen to our animation.
