South Australia’s big battery experiment: A new era for energy in small towns

In the picturesque seaside town of Robe, South Australia, a groundbreaking initiative is underway that could set the standard for how small towns across the country manage their energy needs. SA Power Networks, the company responsible for electricity distribution in South Australia, is spearheading a large battery trial that promises to enhance the use of renewable energy and transform the local grid into a more self-sufficient and resilient system.

The trial, part of the Community Batteries Project funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, is not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about reimagining the way electricity is stored and delivered. Robe is set to receive a substantial 2-megawatt/2MW-hour battery designed to bolster capacity and reliability during times of peak demand. This is a significant step forward for a town situated at the end of a long powerline that also serves other communities.

Electric vehicle owners and eco-conscious residents of Robe will soon experience ultra-fast charging thanks to a revolutionary new battery system. Image Source: Kindel Media / Pexels

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Robe will also be home to a smaller battery that works in tandem with an electric vehicle (EV) charger, enabling ultra-rapid charging for the first time in the area. This is a boon for EV owners and could be a catalyst for more Australians to consider making the switch to electric vehicles, knowing that charging infrastructure is becoming more accessible and efficient.

The project also addresses a critical issue faced by remote locations: prolonged blackouts, especially during extreme weather events. By installing batteries in these areas, SA Power Networks aims to provide a more reliable power supply, which is essential for the safety and well-being of residents.

One of the most compelling aspects of this trial is the potential to reduce the need for costly upgrades to existing powerlines. Regulations prevent SA Power Networks from making improvements that would unfairly increase power bills for consumers, a practice known as ‘gold-plating’ the network. Batteries offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative, allowing for the local production and consumption of renewable energy.

Cecilia Schutz, head of corporate affairs at SA Power Networks, emphasises the importance of developing expertise in battery deployment. ‘An important part of that future is ensuring we have some expertise and understanding about how to maximise the benefits and understand what our role can be in the future in deploying those batteries,’ she says.

Peter Kerr, a renewable energy project expert, points out that the traditional approach of connecting every town to the grid is becoming less necessary thanks to technologies like large batteries. ‘You should be able to, as a community, utilise your power on your rooftops and store that power in the day and then take it back out of the battery at night,’ Kerr explains. This ‘smoothing effect’ not only benefits consumers but also reduces the need for network upgrades and cuts emissions.

The implications for EV road trips are also significant. Robe currently has several EV chargers, but they are slower due to the limited capacity of the powerline. The introduction of a battery-assisted charger will dramatically reduce charging times, making Robe a more attractive stop for eco-conscious travellers.

Independent electric car and sustainable home journalist Neerav Bhatt, who has firsthand experience with EV road trips, praises the initiative. He acknowledges that while a battery-powered charging point could run low if demand spikes, the constant recharging throughout the day should ensure a faster charging experience for most users.

As SA Power Networks gears up to have the batteries and chargers installed and operational by the end of the year, the residents of Robe and other participating towns like Lameroo in the Mallee region can look forward to a future where clean energy is not just a concept, but a practical reality.

This trial represents a significant leap forward in the integration of renewable energy into our daily lives. As we watch the progress in Robe, we can’t help but wonder: could this be the blueprint for energy management in small towns nationwide? Are you ready to embrace the future of clean energy in your community? Share your opinions and experiences with renewable energy and electric vehicles in the comments below.

Also read: Suburbs go electric: A suburban energy revolution

Abegail Abrugar
Abegail Abrugar
Abby is a dedicated writer with a passion for coaching, personal development, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With a strong background in leadership, she provides practical insights designed to inspire growth and positive change in others.

3 COMMENTS

    • The Power Prices in SA are set by the National Market Regulator based on the Eastern States Costs !!!!
      You need to do some research on Grid Connected Batteries, How they are “Sized”, how they work, and what they are connected to do !!!!
      Yes they are “short term supply” and are NOT designed to replace the Grid, but to supplement it during peak times, etc.

  1. As the tone of the article suggests that Robe is already at a point where the existing supply infrastructure is reaching its’ limits, to charge the battery will add a load to this infrastructure and may not be able to be charged when the power is least expensive. Or not recharge at all.
    Battery supplementation does not give “green” power as the manufacture of them is a very dirty process and as most have a viable life of around 10 years, a total replacement every decade creates further environmental loads. (The battery advocates talk of the new ultra-stable and high capacity batteries, but these are always “soon” and not now.)
    The 2 MW is laughable and would be able to meet a peak demand from Robe of less than a couple of hours. Less if there are any EVs plugged in expecting a quick recharge.
    Note that Australia is already at a true “net zero” through natural processes and the political push to create an artificial “net zero” is coming at a great (and un-neccessary) cost both economically and environmentally as wind and solar farms are constructed without the due concerns forced on such efficient energy sources as NG and coal.

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