Interesting discussion here on batteries in South Australia and...

Interesting discussion here on batteries in South Australia and Victoria.

https://hotcopper.com.au/resources/...ore-doors-for-batteries-on-power-grids.57789/

The juice:

"(SA) plans to spend A$150 million ($115 million) supporting the installation of 100 megawatt hours of battery capacity this year, which would be the world's second-largest battery system behind one installed by AES for California's San Diego Gas & Electric Co in February."

And

"For battery providers, the money making opportunity will come not only from energy storage but crucial extra services to manage voltage and frequency on grids, several energy storage executives said."

Ash here.

Which is crucial.  IMHO, if SA installs stand alone battery packs away from generators, grid voltage and frequency will continue to be unstable unless the batteries are used in a prodigal manner, storing and discharging minute by minute, wearing them out very quickly.

A better model is to put them next to generators, stabilizing output and using the existing grid up to its capacity as demand dictates.

This alternative has substantial benefits for IFN. It gains optionality in bidding into the NEM - if it doesn't like the price, it can send its output to storage and reoffer into the next auction. It would never waste a volt when the wind is blowing hard or intermittently.  Further, IFN's bidding behavior becomes opaque to competitors who can currently predict its bidding by monitoring wind levels.

Installing batteries on windfarms is still viable with a state-owned battery pack - they can buy IFN's stabilised output at market price if they want it.  Knock yourselves out.  Waiting a little longer for battery prices to fall and battery management techniques to evolve is the prudent commercial practice I see IFN exercising today.

Meanwhile, build more windfarms and turn the coal generators into stranded assets.

Roof-top solar is decentralised and installed for non-financial reasons; wind is in the hands of a few rational players.  Add a battery to wind and the owners will make a motza.  That's you and me.

Ash