Deep Dive: Technology features of the Bremer Battery Project
Highlights:
The Bremer Battery Project will play a pivotal role in stabilising the energy grid by storing excess energy and releasing it during peak demand periods, ensuring a reliable and lower-cost energy supply.
The project employs LFP technology, known for its superior cycle life and thermal stability, making it a safer choice for large-scale energy storage.
Advanced safety systems, including thermal management and integrated fire suppression, ensure the Bremer Battery operates safely, minimising the risk of overheating and fire incidents.
By mitigating the 'duck curve' and reducing reliance on costly peaking power plants, the Bremer Battery helps lower overall energy costs and decreases electricity prices for consumers.
The Bremer Battery Project will harness advanced battery storage technology to facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the energy grid, ensuring a secure, reliable, lower-cost, energy supply.
By maximising the utilisation of clean energy sources, the Bremer Battery will play a pivotal role in creating efficient use of green energy and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. The proposed battery site is located 20 km from Ipswich - about 8 minutes drive south of Rosewood, or 40 minutes drive from Brisbane.
What is a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)?
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can store energy generated from sources like solar and wind. They ensure grid stability (prevent blackout), enhance energy security, and promote efficient use of renewable energy. BESS can swiftly respond to fluctuations in energy supply and demand, making them indispensable for modern power grids.
Various BESS technologies exist, primarily differentiated by the type of battery used. The Bremer Battery project shall employ LFP technology, which is a safer option than some other battery solutions. LFP batteries use lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material and a graphitic carbon electrode with a metallic backing as the anode. These batteries have an energy density of around 90-120 Wh/kg. They boast a superior cycle life, often exceeding 10,000 cycles, which means that they have a longer operational lifespan. Their high thermal stability results in a lower risk of thermal runaway, making them safer for large-scale applications. The nominal voltage for LFP batteries is about 3.2V per cell, and they have a significantly reduced fire risk due to their stable chemistry.
The Bremer Battery is designed with an 850MW/3400MWh capacity, capable of storing large amounts of energy generated from renewable sources. It can discharge energy at a maximum rate of 850MW, making it suitable for meeting peak energy demands, for up to 4
hours. The battery provides critical frequency regulation by injecting or absorbing power to maintain the grid frequency at 50 Hz, preventing frequency deviations that can lead to power outages. It also offers ancillary services such as voltage support, black start capability, and spinning reserve, essential for grid reliability.
Safety systems in the Bremer Battery include advanced thermal management systems to monitor and control the temperature of battery cells, preventing overheating. Integrated fire suppression systems mitigate the risk of fire incidents, while continuous monitoring and diagnostics detect any anomalies in the battery system and initiate corrective actions.
Mitigating the 'Duck Curve'
The 'duck curve' is a chart that illustrates the gap between energy production and consumption, particularly in regions with high amounts of solar energy available. During the day, solar panels generate surplus electricity, creating a dip in the net load. As solar generation decreases in the evening and demand peaks, the net load rises sharply.
The 'duck curve' phenomenon presents significant economic challenges for Australia's energy market. This mismatch leads to periods of oversupply followed by rapid increases in demand during lower supply times, necessitating the activation of costly peaking power
plants, which are typically costly gas-fired and less efficient. These operational inefficiencies increase electricity prices for consumers and strain the grid's financial resources.
The Bremer Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) mitigates these impacts by storing excess solar energy generated during the day and releasing it during peak demand periods in the evening. By smoothing out the demand curve, the BESS reduces the need for expensive peaking power plants, lowers overall energy costs, and enhances grid stability.
This efficient management of energy supply and demand not only curbs price volatility but also fosters a more economically sustainable energy market, reducing power prices to consumers.
Image Source: Global Critical Issues. (2023), Flattening the duck curve, Chapman University Blogs
Location
The location for the Bremer Battery project will enable it to connect to an existing 275kV Powerlink transmission line that runs from Toowoomba to Brisbane, ensuring efficient energy transmission and distribution. This integration will mean that the Bremer Battery will help stabilise the grid and ensuring that stored energy can be dispatched to areas with high demand such as Ipswich, Brisbane and the Gold Coast (3M+ people).
The project location in Lower Mount Walker offers several advantages. It is centrally located between major producers of renewable energy and those using it. This includes Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and renewable energy sources in areas such as Toowoomba and Western Downs, thus allowing efficient energy storage and distribution. Its proximity to existing infrastructure and power lines facilitates easier integration into the grid. Additionally, the project contributes to the economic development of the Lower Mount Walker/Rosewood community through job creation and local procurement opportunities.
The SEQ Renewable Energy Transition
Queensland aims to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2030 (more information available here). BESS projects like the Bremer Battery are crucial in meeting these targets by providing the necessary infrastructure to store, manage and create efficient use of renewable energy. According to government reports, SEQ's renewable energy capacity has been steadily increasing, with solar and wind being the primary contributors. BESS are essential for ensuring a stable and reliable power supply by balancing supply and demand. They facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimising the use of clean energy sources.
Community and Environmental Benefits
The Bremer Battery Project offers numerous benefits to the local community and the environment.
It is expected to create over 200 jobs during construction and additional ongoing roles post-completion. The project would also stimulate local economic activity through procurement and supply opportunities for local businesses.
The Bremer Battery Project is a landmark local initiative that will enhance the integration of renewable energy into the SEQ grid, provide significant economic benefits, and contribute to the region's sustainability goals. By addressing technical challenges such as the duck curve and grid stability, and leveraging advanced LFP battery technology, the project stands as a model for future energy storage solutions.