Delivering grid stability with the Solomon battery system
In 2023, Pacific Energy delivered a 42MW network-integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) as part of Fortescue Metals Group’s Pilbara Energy Connect project.
The installation included two interconnected BESS across Fortescue’s Solomon (16MW) and North Star (26MW) mine sites, making it, at time of delivery, one of the world’s largest network-connected battery systems developed for a mining application.
Using advanced Kokam battery technology and industry-leading grid-stabilising controls with millisecond response capability, the systems provide critical protection against load fluctuations and ensure network reliability. They also offer virtual spinning reserve backup to cover gas generation outages or sudden variations in solar output.
The batteries are designed to store energy from Fortescue’s planned solar developments, supporting mining activities with renewable power and reducing annual carbon emissions across its Pilbara operations.
