Vandium news

A solution to boost Kalbarri’s power reliability has taken a significant step forward with a feasibility study giving Western Power’s plan for a microgrid the tick of approval.
The $300,000 study, which was funded by Western Power, has confirmed the technical feasibility of a large renewable-energy connected battery to improve the reliability of the 140 kilometre network between Geraldton and Kalbarri.
Western Power Executive Manager of Asset Management Seán Mc Goldrick said the report was an essential and exhaustive process involving 12,500 computer simulations to test the viability and technical requirements of the project.
“The findings mean we can go forward with the confidence and proof that there are bigger picture reliability solutions that the network can offer to edge-of-grid customers in areas like Kalbarri,” Mr Mc Goldrick said
“Reliability of power supply is important to everyone but for towns like Kalbarri, that are so reliant on tourism, frequent or extended outages can have a significant impact during holiday season when power use soars.”
Mr Mc Goldrick said the microgrid will have a utility-scale battery as the centrepiece that is charged by a combination of network, wind and solar that can support the needs of the community during an outage on the network between Geraldton and Kalbarri.
It will also have the benefit of strengthening the resilience of the network by sending surplus energy to Geraldton.