Renewable Energy Transformation in Remote WA Towns
A project worth over $15 million to integrate large-scale solar and battery storage into the power systems of six regional towns in Western Australia has been finalised. The installation of a 758kW PV system and 336kWh BESS in Norseman marks the completion of this initiative.
Horizon Power, a state-owned utility, announced that Norseman, located in WA’s Esperance region, is the sixth and final town to receive a solar farm and battery energy storage system as part of the Mid West Solar Program. This program, which commenced in 2021 with $13.5 million in federal funding, aims to enhance the sustainability of these towns’ power supply.
Decarbonising Power Supplies
The solar and battery systems, owned by Horizon and managed by Pacific Energy, have been strategically designed to complement existing diesel generation systems. This integration aims to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the reliability of power supply in these regional towns.
Enhancing Grid Stability
With a combined capacity exceeding 2,000kW, the six solar systems have already generated and exported over 1.8 million kilowatt hours of solar energy from January to November this year. Additionally, the 4,300kWh of BESS spread across the six sites will store surplus solar energy generated during the day. This stored energy will enhance grid stability, improve power quality, and enable the towns to utilise renewable energy even during periods of low solar generation.
Horizon anticipates that the energy systems deployed in the Mid West and Goldfields towns, including Cue, Sandstone, Yalgoo, Meekatharra, and Wiluna, will result in approximately $900,000 in annual operational cost savings. This will help mitigate the impact of fluctuating fuel prices on these remote communities.
Transition to Renewable Energy
Stephanie Unwin, Horizon’s chief, highlighted the significance of the solar and battery systems in offering a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to diesel generation for these remote towns. By reducing carbon emissions, these systems will provide a sustainable energy solution for the communities.
Horizon is currently in the process of commissioning an additional five standalone renewable-first generators to supply power to remote towns in northern Western Australia. These generators will be supported by either a battery or potentially a hydrogen system, aiming to provide nearly 10,000 kWh of power to over 10,000 homes and businesses in Broome, Derby, Camballin/Looma, Fitzroy Crossing, and Halls Creek.
Expressions of Interest documents released in May stipulate that all systems must meet minimum annual renewable energy requirements, with the larger towns such as Broome and Derby aiming for 80 per cent renewable energy. Horizon is particularly interested in proposals that exceed these minimums over the next five to ten years.
The ongoing efforts by Horizon Power signify a significant step towards sustainable and renewable energy solutions for remote communities in Western Australia.
