Large solar farm dispatching 10 MW of renewable energy on the Darwin-Katherine electricity network
Robertson Barracks is successfully dispatching solar power to the Darwin-Katherine electricity network, adding an additional 10 MW of renewable energy generation to the grid.
This milestone for the Northern Territory electricity market is progress towards the Northern Territory Government’s target of 50% renewable energy by 2030, increasing large-scale solar generation on the network to 19.45 MW.
Power and Water Executive General Manager, Belinda Small, acknowledged the successful partnership with Defence to bring the 2nd large-scale solar project online this year.
‘As the Network Owner and System Operator, Power and Water has responsibility to ensure connections to our electricity network meet the standards and guidelines that maintain a reliable electricity supply to all of our customers,’ Ms Small said.
‘We have worked closely with Defence to bring their 2nd large solar farm online, safely and securely,’ she said.
‘This milestone validates that our electricity network standards and guidelines are fit for purpose and achievable by large scale renewable energy generators.’
‘There are a number of large-scale solar generators connected to the Darwin-Katherine electricity network who we are working with, including the Robertson Barracks and RAAF Darwin solar systems that have achieved commercial dispatch this year.’
Power and Water continue to support other proponents to progress their projects toward commercial operation.
Another 4 large scale solar generators are at varying stages of testing and commissioning before they can reach full commercial dispatch, with 2 of these expected to meet compliance for partial dispatch later this year.
Innovation and technology in renewable energy has progressed rapidly in recent years, requiring the Generation Performance Standards to technology be amended to ensure system stability and reliability. This change was approved by the Utilities Commission in February 2020.
‘Power and Water support the proponents through a 6-stage process, with the first 3 stages centred on establishing a connection application and agreement, and the final 3 stages encompassing construction, compliance, commissioning and then dispatch.’
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