Mondo hosted delegates from Thailand’s Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (OERC) who visited the Ballarat Energy Storage System (BESS) last week.
The 35 delegates, which included OERC Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General, are currently in Melbourne studying Australia’s approach to energy policy, renewables, privatisation, safety, community and the environment. The visit to BESS was facilitated by the Victorian Government.
OERC Secretary-General, Ms. Narupat Amornkosit said, ” We’re here to build the capacity of our team and to broaden our knowledge. Australia and Thailand face similar challenges, such as the duck curve, which results from increasing rates of solar adoption. We hope to learn from other countries so that we can strengthen electricity distribution and prepare for an increase in renewables.”
A key focus was on how technology can support growth in renewables by alleviating high demand events. Therefore, the spotlight turned to the Ballarat Energy Storage System (BESS) – a 30MW, large-scale, grid-connected battery located at the Ballarat Terminal Station. It’s energisation, which reached commercial operation on 21 December 2018, enhanced the stability of Victoria’s energy supply by charging and discharging in response to the changing needs of the grid.
The BESS project was a first for Victoria and was delivered by a consortium of partners including AusNet Services, Energy Australia, Downer-Spotless, Fluence, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Victorian Government (ARENA and the Victorian Government jointly provided $25 million in funding to the consortium for the project). Mondo, operating under the AusNet Services (Commercial Asset Services) banner at the time, supported project delivery via project management, provided technical connection services, and currently supports its operation.
Among others, the OERC delegates have met with Goldwind Australia and the Australian Energy Regulator in a workshop and will meet energy retailer Red Energy.