The Lake Bonney Wind Farm and Battery in south-east South Australia is nearing full commercial operation, marking a key milestone for the state’s renewable energy supply.
Infigen’s 25MWh/52MWh battery is in the final stages of testing. When complete it will enhance Infigen’s ability to provide ‘firm’ renewable electricity supply contracts to a number of commercial and industrial customers.
It is hoped the battery will also help increase competition in the retail electricity market and make power more secure for businesses.
SA Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan, said the Lake Bonney Wind Farm and Battery demonstrates the state’s transformation into a modern energy market.
Speaking during a site visit to Lake Bonney, Minister van Holst Pellekaan said that grid-scale storage is critical to making renewable energy work for consumers, including increasing retail competition.
“Assets such as the Lake Bonney Wind Farm and Battery provide reliable, affordable and renewable electricity to this state’s commercial and industrial customers,” said Mr Holst Pellekaan.
“It will allow South Australia to incorporate more renewable energy into the system and move towards net-100 per cent renewable energy in the 2030’s.
“The battery has been supported by a $5 million grant from the South Australian Government, matched by $5 million from the Commonwealth’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).”
The wind farm and battery created 430 jobs during the construction phase, creating a significant boost for local employment.
“Tesla is one of the new commercial customers supported by Infigen’s expansion into the South Australian retail electricity market,” Mr Holst Pellekaan said.
“Infigen was recently awarded a retail contract to supply Tesla fast-charging supercharger stations with energy across Australia.
“Not only will the Lake Bonney Battery use Tesla batteries to store energy, it will also allow Infigen to fuel electric cars at Tesla Superchargers across Australia.”
Infigen’s Executive Director, Finance and Commercial, Sylvia Wiggins, said the Lake Bonney Battery is an important asset in its generation portfolio.
“Lake Bonney allows us to grow the volume of renewable energy we sell to commercial and industrial customers. We are pleased to be partnering with South Australian customers, communities and governments as we lead Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.”
