While Vestas will supply the wind turbines for the project, Downer will be supplying the solar modules. Vestas will also support the project by setting up the control system and integrating energy from the wind and solar energy components.
When completed, the hybrid power plant is expected to be the largest the country. The the first stage of the energy park will include 220MW of wind and 150MW of solar power. The second stage of the park will include an additional solar capacity and battery storage capacity of 300MW and 400MW, respectively.
When completed, electricity generated from the power station will be supplied to the national electricity network via the nearby Davenport substation. The project could produce about 1 Terrawatthour (TWh) of clean energy per annum, which is enough to power 200,000 South Australian households annually while avoiding 470,000 metric tonnes of CO2.
DP Energy stated that the wind turbines at the energy park will be driven largely by thermal winds resulting from the temperature difference between land and sea.
The project’s construction is expected to start in the second quarter of next year and could create about 250 jobs. The total cost of the project is estimated to reach $600m.
DP Energy CEO Simon De Pietro said: “Up until now we’ve been focussed on proving the viability of the concept. The appointment of our preferred key contractors, Vestas and Downer, represents a significant milestone in the progression of the project.
“We’ve also secured the support of a lead infrastructure investor, which is very encouraging and further ensures the development of the facility.”
Image: DP Energy to build hybrid renewable energy project in Australia. Photo: Courtesy of DP Energy.
