Grid-forming battery power plant for Graciosa: Azorean island replaces 65 percent of its fossil fuel power

07/13/2016 | Print view

A 3.2 MW Li-Ion battery system with the 1-MW solar park in Graciosa. A 4.5 MW windpark (not shown in this picture) will be commissioned soon. - © Younicos — © Younicos

A 3.2 MW Li-Ion battery system with the 1-MW solar park in Graciosa. A 4.5 MW windpark (not shown in this picture) will be commissioned soon.

Starting this summer, the Azorean island Graciosa will be able to replace an average of 65 percent of its fossil fuel power with renewable energy. Within the next time a 3,2 MW Li-Ion battery system linked with a 1 MW solar park and a 3.3 MW wind park will be commissioned.

The “island-mode” capability of the project’s intelligent battery system will enable up to 100 percent spontaneous renewable energy generation. Thereby the Portuguese island Graciosa will be able to replace an average of 65 percent of its fossil fuel power with cheaper and cleaner renewable energy saving millions of euros and tons of CO2 according to software provider Younicos.

Crucial software controls

“This system can be easily replicated on other islands with the same kind of benefits, and the same technology can be used to support mainland grids”, Stephen Prince, Younicos CEO said. “Our intelligent software controls are the key to capitalizing on renewables, maintaining grid resilience, reducing emissions and saving money”, he stressed.

Exisiting diesel assets only for back-up

A 1-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic power plant and 3.2 MWh of lithium-ion batteries have already been installed on the island. A 4.5 MW wind park is currently under construction. Once the system is completed Younicos software and controls will enable the grid-forming battery power plant provided by Leclanché to balance short-term power fluctuations, allowing the island to be powered by wind and solar energy. Existing diesel assets will be needed only for back-up power during prolonged periods of unfavorable weather according to Younicos.

Commissioning is expected in summer 2016. Danish based Recharge is the majority investor in the project. Recently the Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa, as well as the President of the Azorean Government, Vasco Cordeiro, and other high-level country officials visited the project. (HCN)