The Western Australian government has launched a pilot project in Kununurra to test a long-duration battery, marking a significant step towards cleaner, more reliable, and affordable power for regional areas.
The initiative, led by Horizon Power, aims to explore the integration of advanced energy storage solutions into the state’s power network.
The pilot features a vanadium flow battery with a 78-kilowatt capacity and 220-kilowatt hours of storage.
This technology is particularly well-suited for the Kimberley region’s challenging climate, offering temperature resilience and long-duration energy delivery capabilities.
VSUN Energy, a subsidiary of Australian Vanadium, has supplied the battery and will collaborate with Horizon Power on system support testing over the next 12 months.
This partnership is expected to yield valuable insights into the practical application of vanadium flow technology in extreme environments.
Energy Minister Reece Whitby highlighted the broader implications of this project, stating: “This pilot won’t just mean there is more clean, reliable, and affordable power for regional WA – it means Horizon Power can better understand how batteries can support microgrids and other off-grid power systems throughout the State.”
The initiative aligns with Western Australia‘s ongoing efforts to diversify its energy mix.
The state already utilises large-scale batteries in Kwinana and Collie to manage excess rooftop solar power, redistributing it during peak demand periods.
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting its potential to provide “clean, reliable energy for regional and remote communities, tailored to withstand our unique climate.”
This pilot project represents a crucial step in Western Australia’s energy transition, potentially paving the way for more sustainable and resilient power solutions in remote areas across the state.