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Why Large-Scale Solar Alone no Longer Makes Sense

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With grid congestion and curtailment plaguing utility-scale PV development in many parts of Australia and the proposed 5-minute settlement by AEMO, live from October 2021, the case for coupling solar arrays to large-scale storage is becoming increasingly compelling. But how can solar + storage projects be effectively executed? And what are the keys for developing a successful business model?

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Why Large-Scale Solar Alone no Longer Makes Sense

With grid congestion and curtailment plaguing utility-scale PV development in many parts of Australia and the proposed 5-minute settlement by AEMO, live from October 2021, the case for coupling solar arrays to large-scale storage is becoming increasingly compelling. But how can solar + storage projects be effectively executed? And what are the keys for developing a successful business model?

Leveraging its experience of 10.6 GW of Solar PV projects around the world and 50 MWh of  large-scale battery storage projects in the EMEA region, the global EPC Sterling and Wilson Solar will share its insights as to why solar alone may not be enough in 2020 and how developers can make their solar + storage project a success.

As renewable energy penetration rates continue to increase, large-scale big batteries are proving their worth. However, the precipitous price declines seen in solar PV have not yet been replicated in batteries and building a business case may be difficult. That FCAS markets can be relatively quickly saturated presents additional challenges.

Despite this, Sterling and Wilson Solar’s Vikas Bansal believes that the uptake of large-scale storage is set to accelerate this year and next – and fast. The global EPC has built a track record for big battery developments in the EMEA region and Bansal believes Australian project developers can learn from examples there.

Join the pv magazine webinar to plug into this experience and put your questions to presenters.

Topics covered include:

  • Australia market overview and energy storage outlook.
  • How regulatory developments, including five-minute settlement, is impacting the large-scale storage value proposition.
  • How the wholesale spot market and ancillary services market drives solar + storage projects.
  • What decides the project economics of a solar + storage project.
  • How to choose the right solution provider and cost reduction methods.
  • How to make a solar plant ready for future addition/ augmentation of batteries.
  • What businesses cases can big batteries address.
  • How to model solar + storage performance.

There is no doubt that large-scale storage is coming. Join the webinar to learn how you can be prepared.

Speakers

Vikas Bansal, Head - International Business Development

Vikas Bansal is the Head of International Business Development of Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited. A seasoned professional with rich experience in the renewable energy industry, Vikas has been part of Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited since 2011. His understanding of Project Finance, Project Development, IPP business model, inter-cultural aspects coupled with a strong business network has earned him trust and respect in the global solar industry.

Dave Dixon, Lead Renewable Analyst, Rystad Energy

David Dixon has an undergraduate degree in Petroleum Engineering, with a Masters of Photovoltaic Engineering from the University of New South Wales. David has 8 years’ experience in the energy industry (upstream oil/gas and solar), with Shell, Woodside and Solgen Energy. David joined Rystad Energy in 2018 as a Renewables Analyst covering the Australian Market and is based in Rystad’s Sydney office.

Lillian Patterson, Director of Energy Transition, Clean Energy Council

Lillian is the Clean Energy Council’s Director of Energy Transformation, where she is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the CEC’s electricity market and network policy and advocacy work. She joined the CEC from Origin Energy, where she managed regulation and policy development on wholesale and retail electricity and gas market issues.

Moderators

Jonathan Gifford | Editor in chief, pv magazine

While overseeing pv magazine‘s Australian website, Jonathan also reports on equipment supply, thin film and Australasia for the global print edition and online. With a background in broadcast journalism for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Deutsche Welle and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Jonathan has been reporting on environmental and technology issues since 2005. He has been with pv magazine since 2011.

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