Horizon Power Pioneers Multi-Chemistry Long-Duration Storage Trials in Western Australia
Horizon Power is accelerating the transition to renewable energy in remote Western Australia by trialling a diverse portfolio of long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies. The state-owned utility is testing multiple battery chemistries to provide reliable, off-grid power for isolated communities, significantly reducing reliance on diesel and gas generation.
Vanadium Flow Battery Deployment in Kununurra
In Kununurra, Horizon Power has deployed a 78-kW/220-kWh vanadium flow battery. Supplied by VSUN Energy, an offshoot of Australian Vanadium Ltd (AVL), this system can store energy for 10 to 12 hours. The technology boasts a lifespan of over 25 years, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel peaker plants.
Expanding the LDES Portfolio
Beyond vanadium, the utility is exploring other promising chemistries. In Nullagine, a 100-kW/400-kWh zinc-bromine flow battery from Redflow is being integrated into the local microgrid. Meanwhile, at Carnarvon, BASF’s 250-kW/1,450-kWh sodium-sulphur battery is undergoing trials. These systems are designed to operate alongside existing lithium-ion infrastructure, providing the extended discharge times necessary for remote microgrid stability.
"These trials represent a critical step in proving that diverse LDES technologies can deliver reliable, long-duration power to off-grid communities."
Supporting this rollout, Australian Vanadium Ltd (AVL) is developing a local electrolyte manufacturing facility in Western Australia. This strategic 'pit to battery' initiative aims to secure an ethical, domestic supply chain for vanadium, ensuring the long-term viability and cost-effectiveness of flow battery deployments across the nation. By controlling the supply from mining to manufacturing, AVL can significantly reduce logistical costs and carbon footprints associated with importing electrolytes.
By testing multiple technologies simultaneously, Horizon Power is gathering invaluable operational data. This comprehensive approach allows the utility to identify the most efficient and economically viable LDES solutions for various geographical and climatic conditions. Ultimately, these pioneering trials are positioning Western Australia at the forefront of the global long-duration energy storage revolution, paving the way for a fully decarbonized off-grid network.
This article was assisted by AI analysis. Please refer to the original source for official information.