Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan says more than 50 bids received for new grid-scale storage scheme in SA

South Australia could be set for more big batteries that would add to the Tesla unit at Jamestown, after more than 50 bids were received for a new State Government storage scheme.

• Solar batteries installed in more than 400 SA homes

South Australia could be set for more big batteries that would add to the Tesla unit at Jamestown, after more than 50 bids were received for a new State Government storage scheme.

Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the applications included bids from international companies that are at “the forefront of developing innovative energy storage solutions”, and decisions on who gets a slice of $50 million in taxpayer funds would be made this year.

The grid-scale storage program is separate to a Government scheme that aims to get solar and battery systems on 40,000 homes across SA.

Tesla's lithium-ion battery in Jamestown.

Grid-scale storage can instead store energy from intermittent sources like wind and balance out frequency disturbances they create.

Wind farms often produce wholesale power at extremely cheap prices, which can’t currently be stored in large volumes for use when the breeze isn’t blowing. That shortfall is often instead filled in SA by expensive gas-fired power stations. SA has no coal-fired power, following demolition of the former Port Augusta plant.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan said the Government was keeping an open mind on solutions and possible technologies included Tesla-style big batteries as well as pumped hydro, hydrogen and thermal storage.

“The number of proposals and calibre of applicants highlights the gilt-edged opportunity to capitalise on SA’s abundant wind, solar and other renewable energy sources,” he said. “Accelerating private sector investment in large-scale energy storage infrastructure will help address the reliability and affordability problems that plagued the SA electricity network.”

Applicants may also be able to dip into Australian Renewable Energy Agency funds. The Tesla big battery was a key part of former premier Jay Weatherill’s response to the 2017 blackout. A report by the energy market operator last year found the 129 MWh battery offers “a range of valuable power system services, including rapid, accurate frequency response and control”.

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