port hedland solar and battery project
APA Group is currently constructing the 45 MWAC Port Hedland Solar Photovoltaic (PV) generation facility and 35 MW / 36.7 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which supplies renewable energy for large mining customers in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. These new facilities will accompany the existing Port Hedland Power Station (PHPS), owned and operated by APA.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Port Hedland Power Station
Overview
Owner, operator APA Group
Project name Port Hedland Solar and Battery Project
Location Pilbara, Western Australia
Construction commencement 2023
Project expected operational late 2024
Generating capacity (solar) 45 MWAC
Battery Energy Storage System Max output 35 MW
Battery Energy Storage System capacity 36.7 MWh
New infrastructure
The project consists of:
- a new 45 MWAC solar PV generation facility
- a new 35 MW / 36.7 MWh BESS facility
- a ~1-kilometre 33kV cable linking the Port Hedland Solar PV facility to the existing Port Hedland Power Station
- extending the existing 66kV switchyard at Port Hedland Power Station for the new generation facilities
Government support towards cleaner energy
The Western Australian Government has committed funding support of $1.5 million for the BESS as part of its Clean Energy Future Fund (CEFF). The BESS replaces spinning reserve provided by the gas-fired power station (via burning gas), with energy stored in the battery to provide instant support to the grid when needed.