The Torrens Island battery system will operate in grid-following mode, transitioning to grid-forming mode (virtual synchronous generation – VSG) later. This “groundbreaking feature”, says Wärtsilä, means it the largest energy storage installation to date capable of operating in VSG mode, enabling fast response times and future-proofing operations for the Torrens Island facility. The battery system is supported by Wärtsilä’s advanced GEMS power plant controller.
AGL chief executive officer, Damien Nicks said, “This is a significant milestone in AGL’s transition journey as we continue to accelerate the build out of up to 12 GW of renewable and firming capacity by 2035, playing our part in Australia’s energy transition…This battery was constructed within 18 months – a great example of what can be achieved when government, regulators and the private sector are all working together.”
The Torrens Island ESS is the latest Wärtsilä project in support of Australia’s decarbonisation goals. The company has previously supplied a 211 MW balancing power plant for AGL, the Barker Inlet power station, also located on Torrens Island. In addition, Wärtsilä is delivering a 460 MW/920 MWh battery, in partnership with Origin, at the Eraring coal-fired power plant power site to support grid security and reliability in New South Wales.
