Pacific Energy has completed the integration of solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) into six Mid West and Goldfields town power supplies for Horizon Power as a part of its Mid West Solar Program.
The independent power provider, which owns and operates the thermal power assets in each town, has wrapped up works on Norseman’s power system, the sixth and final system to receive integrated renewables as a part of the program.
Norseman’s system comprises a 758kW solar farm and 336kWh BESS, and together with the Cue, Sandstone, Yalgoo, Meekatharra and Wiluna systems is expected to significantly reduce diesel usage, offsetting around 2,100 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The six renewable assets are owned by Horizon Power and operated and maintained by Pacific Energy.
Pacific Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Cullen, said the systems were designed to help decarbonise the towns’ power supplies and enhance power quality for Horizon Power’s customers.
“The six solar systems have a combined capacity of over 2,000kW, and have generated and exported more than 1.8 million kilowatt hours of solar energy between January and November this year. That’s equivalent to powering around 280 average Australian family homes for the same period using 100% renewable energy,” Mr Cullen said.
“Better still, the 4,300kWh of BESS across the six sites will store excess solar energy generated during the day to improve grid stability and power quality and ensure the towns can benefit from renewable energy even when the sun isn’t shining.”
“We’re really pleased to continue to deliver clean energy solutions for Horizon Power and the WA State Government, and to support them on their journey to decarbonise WA’s power supplies.”
The renewable energy systems, which were delivered safely and without injury, will also improve fuel security for the regional towns and reduce systems maintenance and operational costs.