Horizon Power and Pacific Energy have formally opened the Shark Lake Renewables Hub in Esperance, Western Australia.
The new integrated power system combines a 4MW solar farm and two 4.5MW wind turbines located at the renewables hub, with a 4MW battery energy storage system and a 22MW high-efficiency gas power station.
It will power Esperance with up to 50% of renewable energy.
Horizon Power chief executive Stephanie Unwin said: “The new Esperance power system has been designed to accommodate new technology to ensure more renewable energy can be added to the system over the life of the assets.
“The solar farm, which incorporates 8900 PV panels, is the largest in the Horizon Power renewable energy portfolio.
“The panels track the sun across the day, maximising output and, combined with the wind turbines, will meet nearly half of Esperance’s power needs.”
“Horizon Power has long been at the forefront of renewable technology, and we are committed to continue his tradition in Esperance, where renewable power and a decarbonised future is as important to the community as it to us.
“Pacific Energy has helped us to deliver this excellent outcome for our Esperance customers, and we are pleased to have partnered with them on this important project.”
Pacific Energy chief executive Jamie Cullen said: “Pacific Energy came into this project with a clear vision to provide a solution that improved efficiency and reduced the environmental impact of supplying power.
“The two new wind turbines will generate 60% more wind power than the old wind farms combined.
“We are pleased to deliver a state-of-the-art renewables hub and high efficiency gas power station that will cut carbon emissions by nearly 50%, with the aim to improve on this over the life of the system.”