Top End solar farms at Batchelor splutter into life, but assets still curtailed for grid stability

A pair of Top End solar farms that were prevented from feeding electricity into the grid are finally producing energy, although their output is still being curtailed by Power and Water as it works to modernise the system.

The 10MW Batchelor 2 Solar Farm, owned by a subsidiary of Merricks Capital, has finally started to feed electricity into the grid, as has its neighbour, Batchelor 1 Solar Farm (owned by ENI Australia). Picture: Merricks Capital

Two Top End solar farms that were prevented from feeding electricity into the NT grid are finally producing energy, although their output is still being curtailed by Power and Water Corporation as it works to modernise the system.

Solar farms at Bachelor (two in total), Katherine and Manton Dam were constructed earlier this decade as part of the former Labor government’s push to generate 50 per cent of electricity in the Territory from renewable sources.

However, the four assets, which have nameplate capacities of between 10–25 megawatts, were forced to sit idle for a number of years after Power and Water Corporation (PWC), in its capacity as system manager for the Darwin-Katherine Interconnected System, determined their introduction would destabilise the grid too much, as they generate only intermittently (i.e. when the sun shines).

Their owners, ENI Australia (which owns three farms) and Merricks Capital (owner of the fourth) were then retrospectively required to introduce expensive forecasting capabilities and storage solutions.

Power and Water Corporation is the system operator for the Darwin-Katherine Interconnected System and is mandated to ensure its stability. Picture: PWC

Earlier this year, former Energy and Renewables Minister Kate Worden said she was unable to say when the solar farms might begin to produce electricity (at the time only Katherine was producing electricity, but only at 25 per cent of its nameplate capacity).

Now it can be revealed both the Batchelor farms are feeding power into the grid, although at reduced capacity, with PWC limiting their output to 50 and 75 per cent of their nameplate capacity, respectively.

Katherine continues to produce at a maximum of 25 per cent of its nameplate capacity, while Manton Dam is yet to feed electricity into the grid.

The corporation was unable to advise when the solar farms might begin producing at or close to their nameplate capacity.

“Power and Water continues to work with all proponents to negotiate conditions for increasing dispatch of energy from their solar generation plants,” a spokeswoman said.

“Dispatch increases will continue to be provided once generators can demonstrate compliance with technical requirements.

“This is essential to the safe and secure operation of the Darwin-Katherine power system. “While it can seem complex, it is important these standards are met for the secure and stable supply of power to homes and businesses.”

The Manton Dam solar farm, owned by ENI Australia, is yet to win PWC approval to feed electricity into the grid. Picture: Che Chorley

The spokeswoman said, these days, “requirements to connect to the network are agreed with the new generator prior to construction”.

The corporation denied the difficulties faced by ENI Australia (owner of three solar farms) and Merricks Capital (which owns the other) had spooked investors.

“Power and Water continues to field inquiries from renewable energy proponents,” the spokeswoman said.

Territory Generation undertook a market-sounding exercise earlier this year, gauging interest from solar and wind proponents seeking to set up shop in the Territory, while Jacana Energy put out to tender an additional 100MW of solar generation it wanted to contract, but no updates have been provided on either of these processes by the government utilities.

Originally published as Top End solar farms at Batchelor splutter into life, but assets still curtailed for grid stability