Construction underway for Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System

Work is underway on a major project that will provide savings of up to $10m a year. See how you will benefit.

PREPARATIONS for the Territory’s Big Battery are taking shape with earthworks complete and installation expected to commence later this year.

The $45m Channel Island power station battery project, known as Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS), is a big part of government plans to achieve 50 per cent renewable energy usage across the Territory by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050.

The 35MVA battery is expected to pay for itself within five years by delivering cost savings close to $10 million a year for both Territorians and the government.

The government says it will reduce emissions by about 58,000 tonnes a year.

The battery will stabilise the Northern Territory’s power grid.

Territory Generation chief executive Gerhard Laubscher said BESS promoted flexibility in the market.

“The Darwin-Katherine battery not only delivers on a portion of the government’s Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan but is also key to unlocking flexibility in our generation fleet to better manage the increasing impacts of solar on the system,” Mr Laubscher said.

Global technology leader Hitachi Energy has been ­selected to deliver the battery system.

Darwin-Katherine BESS will provide energy to 150,000 Territorians, about 15 per cent of whom have roof-top solar panels.

The BESS unlocks additional capacity for households to connect their rooftop PV or for industry to invest into lower cost solar systems for commercial and industrial operations.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Territory was Australia’s solar leader.

“The cutting-edge technology in our Battery Energy Storage System will reinforce the Northern Territory as the solar capital of Australia. It will store power and be the backbone of the Darwin to Katherine Electricity grid,” Ms Fyles said.

“The Territory Labor government is backing Territorians, solar and lower prices to get it done.”

Renewables and Energy Minister Selena Uibo said the Territory had a renewables ­future.

“This is why we are investing now in the BESS and hydrogen powered generators so we can have clean and efficient energy to help reach our renewables and net zero emission targets,” she said.

In July, the NT Utilities Commission’s outlook report advised of increased risks of blackouts without urgent capital expenditure.