This is the first lessons learned report from the Transgrid Wallgove battery project, and addresses key lessons from early works on the project
Report extract
TransGrid is developing the Wallgrove Grid Battery to pilot synthetic inertia services using Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technology. TransGrid expects that an inertia gap will be declared in NSW as existing sources of inertia, predominantly coal fired generators, are progressively withdrawn from the market. In preparation for this event, TransGrid is investigating alternate technology solutions to establish technically viable, lower cost solutions to address the inertia gap.
The Wallgrove Grid Battery will pilot inertia services from a BESS as a network service using both synthetic inertia and Fast Frequency Response services.
The project has received funding from both NSW Government and ARENA. Contracts were signed in October 2020, with the BESS expected to be operational in October 2021.
The Wallgrove Grid Battery is currently in construction phase. This lessons learnt report is focussed on the lessons gained through the tendering and contracting phases of this project along with the development of the commercial models required for a commercially viable pilot project. Specific technical lessons learnt on this project will be shared in future reports.