Cunder is the name of a solar hybrid project and energy storage in batteries, developed by ((Link: External ||| https: //www.naturgy.com/canderdin-proyecto-de-hibridacion-pionero-a-nivel-mundial/ “>) In Australia, through Global Power Generation (GPG). It is a hybrid plant that combines photovoltaic technology with energy storage systems in batteries, which allows to generate and store solar energy to cover demand peaks, even when there is no sun.
Hybridization between renewable and energy storage technologies is a solution that is taking more and more strength and is presented as a key factor for the impulse of the energy transition, since it provides the electrical system with the flexibility and firm capacity necessary to deal with the unpredictability and intermittency of energy sources such as wind or photovoltaic.
In addition, simultaneously, Cunderlin maximizes the use of these natural resources, displacing the surpluses of generation of moments of maximum availability of resource and low demand for moments of demand peak and low availability of resource.
This hybridized system is designed to provide four hours of constant supply in demand peaks every day of the year, thus raising the potential for renewable energy production and promoting the decarbonization of the country. It is estimated that with its commissioning, the issuance of 140,000 tons of CO2 will be avoided and will generate energy equivalent to the annual consumption of 51,000 homes.
With this project, worldwide pioneer, the energy company reinforces its commitment to this combination of photovoltaic generation hybrid technologies and battery storage, through Global Power Generation (GPG), its international electricity generation subsidiary.
International bet
Its location in the town of Cunderdin, in Western Australia, also involves the expansion of GPG operations to the Australian interconnected system (SWIS) and reinforces the bet of energy through Australia as one of the markets with the greatest prospects for renewable development in the coming years.
The installation consists of 229,500 modules and has a photovoltaic solar capacity of 128 MW, which are combined with an energy storage system in 55MW/220 MWh batteries.
The project has had an investment of 172 million euros, of which more than $ 229,000 have been allocated to participation and distribution activities in the local community.
For Francisco Bustío, CEO of GPG, “it is a pioneering project in many ways, which represents commitment to overcome the limits of innovation and sustainability and that has meant a great achievement not only for our company, but also for the energy sector, by establishing new global referents for the renewable generation industry”,
“Cinderlin is an example of the resilience and experience of our team and a good proof of our collaborative spirit and our firm commitment to a greener energy future. We have created lasting value for the communities we serve through the creation of employment, economic growth and sustainable energy,” says the CEO.
Together with this first project in Australia, which is already a reality, in Spain Naturgy currently works on 13 other battery storage projects, with a total power of 222 MW and a capacity to store 478 MWh:
According to the last strategic plan of energy, its objective is to achieve emission neutrality in 2050, with an installed power of renewable sources close to 60%. Investments in renewables made in recent years by the company confirm its turn to a more sustainable energy mix and its commitment to the energy transition.