Wärtsilä and AGL Energy have completed construction of the 250MW Torrens Island battery energy storage system in South Australia.
It becomes the country’s second largest battery project in operation, according to the companies.
The system will operate in grid-following mode before transitioning to grid-forming mode via virtual synchronous generation at a later date.
This makes it the largest energy storage solution capable of operating in VSG mode, enabling fast response times and future-proofing operations for the Torrens Island facility, Wärtsilä said.
“Australia’s energy transition is all about balance,” said the company’s vice president of storage and optimisation Andrew Tang.
“Wärtsilä is partnering with AGL to help balance intermittency of renewables and provide flexible energy capacity, while reducing their operational and lifetime costs.
“This landmark project is helping Australia take a major step towards a 100% renewable grid and its net-zero emissions target.
“We’re proud to say our energy storage system is helping to maintain reliable and affordable electricity for South Australians.”
AGL chief executive Damien Nicks added: “This is a significant milestone in our transition journey as we continue to accelerate the build out of up to 12GW of renewable and firming capacity by 2035, playing our part in Australia’s energy transition.
“This battery was constructed within 18 months – a great example of what can be achieved when government, regulators and the private sector are all working together.”