1. MEDIA
RELEASE
1 February 2017
Endeavour Energy kicks off first grid-connected battery storage trial
Endeavour Energy today announced plans to trial the efficiency and reliability benefits of grid-
connected battery storage systems.
In what will be a first for Endeavour Energy, a one megawatt hour battery storage system is to be
installed at the future site of its West Dapto Zone Substation in the Illawarra.
“Battery energy storage technology in this location could reduce network investment by up to $1
million per year which keeps downward pressure on network charges,” said Endeavour Energy’s
General Manager Asset Management Ty Christopher.
“This helps us provide customers a safe and reliable power supply without having to build more
expensive network upgrades right away.
“Grid-connected battery storage could also reduce peak demand and improve the quality of
electricity supply in constrained parts of our network.”
Mr Christopher said Endeavour Energy had released a tender calling for the supply and installation
of the battery storage system.
“This is the first trial to be undertaken by us to quantify the potential benefits of grid-connected
battery storage.
“When installed, we expect to defer construction of our West Dapto Zone Substation for several
years.
“It will supply 27,000 new dwellings in the West Lake Illawarra Release areas.
Mr Christopher said West Dapto had been selected for the trial due to the scale of future
residential development, the peak load characteristics of the area over summer and the age of the
existing network.
“If this trial is successful, similar battery systems could be deployed in other growth areas of our
network to defer the construction of up to four new zone substations by 2024.”
“Battery storage systems have significant potential to help manage load growth, peak demand,
power quality and supply interruptions.
“Our trial will test the potential of battery storage in a real, grid-scale setting and provide us with the
expertise to utilise this technology as future needs arise.
“With more home solar systems being installed, energy storage is important in enabling renewable
energy to be saved for use when customers need it the most,” Mr Christopher said.
Media contact: Peter Payne 0409 664 608