EPWA Power System Security and Reliability (PSSR) Standards Review, Western Australia
Aurecon provides technical analysis EPWA's Power System Security and Reliability Standards Review, supporting Western Australia’s energy transformation.
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The future of Australia’s transition and the expanding energy sector depends on addressing the issues of grid reliability and stability. With increased renewable energy penetration, large-scale battery energy storage systems have the technical capabilities to achieve secure networks, reliable generation and a robust renewable grid of the future.
With more renewable generation than any other state, South Australia has been a leading contributor to Australia’s lower-carbon future. AGL Energy’s grid-scale battery at the Torrens Island Power Station site will play a leading role in the state’s future energy generation.
Aurecon is undertaking the balance of plant detailed engineering design of the 250 MW system, one of the largest energy storage systems in Australia. This continues Aurecon’s long-term involvement at Torrens Island, having contributed engineering services to the original power station, and acted as owner’s engineer and design reviewer for Barker Inlet Power Station.
As the Torrens Island Power Station gas fired steam turbine generators are progressively taken offline, the grid-scale big battery, sized initially at one-hour storage but likely to expand to up to four-hours storage, will help South Australia meet its aspiration of 100 per cent renewable energy in the future.
After initially operating in grid-following mode, it has the potential to become one of the largest grid-forming batteries in the world, able to operate as a virtual synchronous machine. With Aurecon’s experience on Hornsdale Power Reserve, Victorian Big Battery and the Alice Springs Battery Energy Storage System, the challenge of this project was readily taken on by engineers.
Aurecon’s digital engineering of the battery’s design in 3D allows for fast and dynamic modelling of the installation and associated infrastructure required to support its operation.
Coupled with the combination of equipment and battery storage technology advances, this is a ground-breaking project to support the balance of renewable variability and bring energy supply reliability to AGL Energy customers. When operational, the system will support a broad portfolio of generating assets, both thermal and renewable, while helping Australia to decarbonise and transition towards a more renewable energy future.
Aurecon, as Owner’s Engineer, supported AGL Energy to develop the 210 MW reciprocating engine power station – Barker Inlet Power Station – alongside the Torrens Island power station facilities.
The role of Owner’s Engineer included project and contract management support, design review, quality assurance and inspection management, as well as overseeing the construction and commissioning of the power station.
A key component of the project’s success was collaboration between Aurecon, Wärtsilä, AGL Energy and equipment suppliers. The strength of these relationships, combined with the common goal of making decisions that were best for the project, enabled the delivery of the project that is more fuel efficient and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than the original Torrens A generators.
The engines operate at high efficiency and with a lower heat rate than traditional fast-start plants. Each engine can operate at full capacity within five minutes, providing a rapid reaction to the variability of energy supply, particularly with more renewable energy generation.
With the state increasing its renewable energy generation, this station is an important part of the energy mix. It contributes to creating a secure energy system as the market transitions in response to a more carbon-constrained future.
The energy projects completed and underway at the Torrens Island facility will provide high efficiency and lower emissions energy and enable greater flexibility to support the rapidly transitioning energy grid in South Australia.
Aurecon is proud to be extending its relationship with AGL Energy, and the Torrens Island facility, playing a role in the state’s power and electricity generation.
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