Bringing South Australia one major step closer to a 100% renewable energy grid

Ensuring reliability in a renewable-driven power system

South Australia has a unique opportunity to swiftly decarbonise and transition to full renewable integration with its unparalleled renewable energy sources. Flexible capacity is vital for the state to reach its 100% renewable energy target by 2030, supporting Australia’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Wärtsilä’s 250 MW / 250 MWh grid-scale battery at AGL Energy’s Torrens Island Power Station in South Australia is a significant development advancing the nation’s path to decarbonisation. The energy storage system, including both hardware and software, supports the growth of renewables and is the first battery constructed as part of AGL’s targeted 850 MW national battery pipeline.

Flexible capacity with energy storage

In 2018, Wärtsilä signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the Barker Inlet Power Station (BIPS) engine power plant located on Torrens Island. The main role of the plant is to ensure reliability in the South Australian power system by providing balancing capacity to manage the variability from renewables. Energy storage can take care of short-duration balancing, while engine power plants can balance variable renewables for a longer duration.

The flexible capacity provided by the Torrens Island battery delivers an efficient means for balancing the supply of energy from renewable sources, thereby supporting the stability and reliability of the grid.

Who	AGL Energy
What	250 MW / 250 MWh
Where	South Australia

This is what we achieved

250

MW of energy storage capacity

250

MWh of energy storage capacity

This project supports South Australia’s energy transition, providing essential capacity when renewable generation is impacted and during periods of high demand, showcasing that we’re taking a leading role in reshaping the energy future.

Markus Brokhof, Chief Operating Officer, AGL Energy

How we did it

Challenge

Balance the intermittency of renewables
Maintain grid stability and provide affordable electricity to customers
Meet net-zero target and transition to cleaner energy

Solution

Supply an advanced storage system to flexibly maintain grid reliability
Maintain system strength, network stability, and energy security with the GEMS Digital Energy Platform
Provide virtual synchronous generation, enabling fast response times and future-proofed assets

Benefit

Support the growth of renewable energy sources
Enable adaptation to changing market conditions
Provide firming capacity and reduce spinning reserve requirements

Questions? Contact us

The main details

Customer	AGL Energy
Site size	250 MW / 250 MWh
Site location	South Australia
Application(s)	Renewables+
Scope of services	Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC)
Delivery	2023

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Case study

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