Largest battery in the world 

The largest clean energy battery in the world is Hornsdale Power Reserve (HPR) battery in South Australia. This clean energy battery continues to make headlines,  raking savings in the millions for South Australian residents.
 

The solar battery saves millions

The solar battery saved a surprising $5.7 million in its second quarter based on 30 megawatts (MW) of capacity it is trading, delivering a gross margin of $8.9 million.  $3.2 million was saved in its first quarter creating  consistent savings that other utilities can inspire  to for savings potential in their districts. The savings were estimated using the same analysis the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) applied in the first quarter. Several variances resulted in a higher estimate for Frequency Control and Ancillary Services.
 

Australia’s growing desire for more clean and economical energy

Looking to the second half of the year, savings for 2018 are about $18 million, giving a return on the initial investment for trading power that’s stored then discharged by the battery system. Only 30% of the system’s 100 MW capacity is used for trading. This leaves others to wonder what the potential revenue generated would be at its full capacity.  Deep analysis of the charging and discharging trends show that the battery is getting smarter as the grid evolves due to a large storage array that’s joined the pricing sector. In the first quarter, the battery utilized the system as you would expect. In the second quarter, the patterns shifted by charging at night but added a morning discharge period that presumably absorbs high grid usage from consumers starting their morning routines. The battery also included a short recharge period around day’s peak clean energy production period in preparation for the evening duck curve. Note that the HPR is basing its actions on grid spot pricing. Following pricing lets the battery fill in where grid operators and electricity generators need it the most. 
 
Power pricing is changing because of this new renewable energy installation, with a weighted average price over the first 6 months of $191/MWh. The system bought power for an average price of $79/MWh. The need for grid storage will be of more importance as more   renewables are added. The network storage is important for Australia’s growing desire for more clean and economical energy. The HPR battery reserves the fleeting title of the world’s largest battery at 129 MWh.  There’s no double that this title will be passed to another grid operator as utility companies consider stationary storage installations to replace aging natural gas or coal-fired peaker plants.

Looking for further information? Solar power is here to stay, and the sooner you explore how much you can save, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar power. Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. It tells you how much solar power you need, and how much you can save. Please visit our solar blog to find out more about the benefits of going solar.