Neoen Australia, owner and operator of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery located nearby, has received development approval from the South Australian Government to develop a 50 megawatt (MW) Hydrogen Super hub at Crystal Brook, 200 kilometres north of Adelaide.
The project is envisioned to be the world’s largest co-located wind, solar, battery and hydrogen facility and will include:
50 MW of hydrogen production capability (up to 9,000 tonnes per annum) on-site or at nearby Port Pirie
110 MW of wind generation
100 MW of solar photovoltaic generation
100 MW of lithium-ion battery storage
a purpose-built substation to deliver the power produced by the project into the South Australian grid.
In a statement on Tuesday, Neoen said its “next generation” clean energy plans had received the green light from government to proceed to development and help “keep the lights on and cut electricity bills” for the households and businesses.
“With this project, we look forward to building on the success of the Hornsdale Wind Farm and Power Reserve, which since commencing operations in 2017, has helped to stabilise the grid and saved South Australian consumers over $50 million,” said Neoen Australia’s head of development, Garth Heron.
“Changing the role of renewables, from just providing power when available to providing firm power 24-hours a day is essential for long-term sustainability, and this project will the first of its kind to offer that type of power service in Australia.”
Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said planning approval for Crystal Brook Energy Park was further evidence of the Marshall government’s determination to provide cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity for South Australians.
“The combined solar farm, wind farm and grid scale storage project is an exciting step towards getting the mix right in energy generation in South Australia,” the minister said.
“The Marshall government’s energy policies are attracting new investment, creating greater competition and reducing costs to households and businesses.”
