## SolarEdge and Pacific Energy Power Australia’s Energy Transition with Record-Breaking Battery Storage
SolarEdge Technologies Energy Storage Division and Pacific Energy are leading the charge towards a greener future in Australia. The two companies are collaborating to decarbonize the country’s mining and utility sectors, deploying sophisticated large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the nation. This partnership has already delivered a remarkable 55MWh of BESS, with an impressive 66MWh more in the pipeline expected to be deployed in the coming two years.
This dynamic duo has been working together since 2019, starting with Pacific Energy’s Esperance hybrid power system. SolarEdge provided the battery rack systems for the project’s 1.3MWh BESS, showcasing their commitment to innovative solutions. This Esperance system, incorporating wind, solar, and gas, required advanced grid-stabilizing technology, known as virtual generation. This technology enables a significantly higher penetration of renewable energy while maintaining the town’s reliable power supply.
Since then, the partnership has continued to break new ground, delivering several industry-leading BESS to Australian miners and utilities. One notable project is the 42MW/19MWh BESS for Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect project, which at the time of delivery was one of the world’s largest network-connected BESS for a mining application. This system supports two of Fortescue’s operations in the Pilbara region.
The BESS is crucial for ensuring grid stability and support. It provides virtual spinning reserve, which significantly reduces fossil fuel consumption, and delivers stabilizing bursts of power within milliseconds of grid disturbances. This rapid response is a testament to the power of SolarEdge’s advanced battery technology.
This successful partnership combines SolarEdge’s expertise in high-performance lithium-ion battery technology with Pacific Energy’s vertically integrated service delivery model. Pacific Energy offers clients a seamless experience, from supplier negotiations and system design to manufacturing, installation, and ongoing operations and maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures optimal performance and longevity for every BESS deployment.
The unprecedented demand for renewable energy integration is making power system design more complex. Tailored battery solutions are becoming critical to ensuring operational reliability and efficiency. Craig Blizard, Pacific Energy’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of their collaboration with SolarEdge: “We work with SolarEdge because they deliver a premium product, and because they understand that each of our clients’ battery needs are different. Collaborating so closely with an OEM of this calibre means we can maximize the technical capabilities of the battery technology to deliver sophisticated, fit-for-purpose systems that are helping decarbonise our clients’ operations.”
Pacific Energy is now expanding its reach to the east coast market, bringing its industry-leading BESS to the National Electricity Market to address frequency changes and grid disturbances. This expansion demonstrates Pacific Energy’s commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions throughout Australia.
The partnership between SolarEdge, a leading global OEM, and Pacific Energy, one of Australia’s foremost independent power providers, is a powerful force for change. By working closely with clients, they understand their mission-critical needs and design solutions that meet demanding loads and mitigate operational risks. This collaboration is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in driving Australia’s energy transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“Pacific Energy’s proven success in transitioning Australia’s energy market is a testimony to their deep understanding of the customer’s energy needs and operational excellence,” said Ofer Bokobza, General Manager of SolarEdge’s Energy Storage Division. “SolarEdge is pleased to partner with leading system integrators that help us design and develop the right products for the right mission profiles and help us advance our technology to meet the future needs of the market.”
This partnership is poised to continue delivering impactful solutions for Australia’s energy landscape, propelling the nation towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.