Installing a battery and solar farms VS EHV interconnectors
Presently the National Electricity Rules (NER) and islanded power grids in Australia are transitioning from a centralised base load fossil fuel generation sources to a distributed renewable generation sources that operates with intermittency.
The transition process requires the building of extra high voltage (EHV) transmission lines, power plants, and substation infrastructure, as well as close consideration of the intermittency of the renewable generation itself.
This presentation considers the lead times, type of plant, and costs of the infrastructure associated with this transition, including those required beyond the transmission lines and renewable plant power stations.
In this presentation, you will gain an understanding of engineering challenges associated with developing power grids with renewable energy integrated and displacing traditional fossil fuel power plant.
Further information
Solar Farm generation will be considered as the renewable generator, but the principles outlined in the presentation are equally applicable to Wind Farm generation. The role of Battery Energy Storage Systems in supporting the generation transition will also be outlined with comparisons made to traditional synchronous machine generation sources and synchronous condensers. References will be made to the SA – NSW Interconnection Project (Project Energy Connect), which is currently being built and the North West Power System in Outback Queensland. It supplies power to mining loads between Mt Isa and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Event program
In-person event:
- Networking: 5.30pm AEDT
- Event commences: 6.00pm AEDT
- Event concludes: 7.00pm AEDT
Attendees are encouraged to arrive from 5:30pm for registration and networking.
The in-person event will be held at:
Engineers Australia Newcastle
Suite 3, Tonella Commercial Centre
125 Bull Street
NEWCASTLE WEST NSW 2302
(entry via Dick Street)
Webinar:
- Event commences: 6.00pm AEDT
- Event concludes: 7.00pm AEDT
About the presenter
Paul Blanchfield
Principal Engineer
Paul is a Principal Electrical Engineer with over 39 years’ experience in transmission and generation plant design, asset management, maintenance, operation, and commissioning. He also has extensive expertise in substation, power station, embedded generation, and industrial plant earthing design.
Paul has supported Solar Farm Projects in Queensland and NSW in both Owners Engineering and specialist advice roles on solar farm electrical configuration, Generator Performance Standards, and NEM compliant electrical protection settings.
Paul has supported BESS integration studies in the 220kV Pilbara Grid at Mt Newman and in the 132kV North West Power System at Mt Isa, specifically providing advice about Point of Connection Electrical Protection of the BESS and compliance with the applicable grid codes
Paul is retained by Glencore to provide specialist advice on Glencore electrical plant upgrades needed if the event of the Copperstring 330kV Interconnection to the NEM proceeding.
