In a significant step for Australia’s clean energy transition, Canadian Solar has announced the commercial operation of its Mannum Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in South Australia. This large-scale battery highlights a global trend, mirroring shifts in the United States where traditional power sources are being phased out in favor of renewables.
SWEPCO and the Mannum Battery South Australia Project
In a parallel development showcasing the global shift away from fossil fuels, Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) plans to retire its Welsh coal-fired power plant in Cason, Texas by 2026. This move comes as part of a settlement with the Sierra Club. The agreement also mandates the shutdown of SWEPCO’s Flint Creek coal plant in Arkansas by 2031.
The settlement, which was filed in the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC), resolves legal challenges to SWEPCO’s long-term energy strategy. This forward-looking plan includes not only the retirement of the two coal plants but also a substantial expansion of renewable energy and battery storage infrastructure. The Sierra Club’s successful challenge urged SWEPCO to accelerate the plant retirements, citing concerns about their environmental impact and the economic benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Canadian Solar Powers Up Mannum Battery South Australia
Canadian Solar Inc. has officially brought its Mannum Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) into commercial operation in South Australia. This project is a major milestone, boasting a capacity of 220 MWh. It stands as Canadian Solar’s first operational BESS in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and is one of the largest in the state, reflecting the incredible surge in Australia’s solar battery uptake.
Located alongside Epic Energy’s 46 MWp solar farm, the project was developed by Recurrent Energy, a Canadian Solar subsidiary, and executed by its e-STORAGE division. The system utilizes e-STORAGE’s proprietary SolBank technology, which integrates the latest in battery storage and is a key part of the solar panel manufacturing process. e-STORAGE will also manage the project’s performance under a long-term service agreement.
Significantly, the Mannum BESS is one of the first battery systems registered with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) under the new Fast Frequency Response (FFR) market rules, allowing it to provide near-instantaneous grid stabilization services.
Expanding Australia’s Clean Energy Landscape with Mannum Battery South Australia
The Mannum project is a cornerstone of Canadian Solar’s growing presence in Australia and demonstrates its commitment to delivering clean, reliable energy solutions. Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, noted the company’s excitement in contributing to South Australia’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity generation by 2027.
This project is part of a larger Australian portfolio. Canadian Solar is also constructing two other grid-scale BESS projects in South Australia: the 50 MW / 100 MWh Bungama project near Port Pirie and the 30 MW / 60 MWh Tailem Bend 2 project, which adds to the growing list of commercial solar solutions expanding in Australia. Beyond South Australia, the company is expanding its reach across the NEM, having recently received approval for a massive 250 MW solar park and BESS in New South Wales.
As states like South Australia integrate more renewables, large-scale batteries like the Mannum BESS are crucial. They ensure grid stability by absorbing excess solar power during the day and dispatching it when demand is high or generation is low, managing the fluctuations inherent in renewable energy and ensuring a reliable power supply for all.
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