Simon GambleManager Hybrid Off-Grid Solutions

Running a power grid with 100% renewables on King Island, Australia

Context and Key Messages

• It is possible to operate a MW scale island power system at 100% RE penetrationo Despite myths around RE you can improve safety, reliability and security o Key is integration at all levels – policy, planning, design, control, operation

• However, to integrate renewable energy requires changes to system operationo utility must be involved : new paradigm = new capability requirements

• Attractive returns on investment are possibleo Primary aim should be to displace diesel fuel through higher RE penetrationo Technology has matured, demonstrations have mitigated risk

Invitation to visit King Island and see the system working2-day international workshop 18/19 November

• Government Business Enterprise – owned by State• Australia’s largest clean energy producer

• Utility responsible for generation, distribution and retail in the Bass Strait islands

• Developer, owner and operator of leading hybrid off-grid systems• King Island was our test bed for solution

development – menu of integration options

• Leading consultant to aid agencies and utilities, including: Yap, Cook Islands, Rottnest Island, Coober Pedy, Thursday Island.

Hydro TasmaniaHybrid off-grid power systems capability

King Island locationSource: Google Earth

King Island : largely agricultural land use with world class wind resource

King Island power system18 year development path for renewable energy

Population approx. 1,600 2.5MW load 6MW diesel generation 450km of 11kV

• Expensive system - diesel fuel is 80% of cost - incentive to use RE• Adding RE is an integration challenge – RE displaces diesel generation• High RE requires enabling systems – communication; control; services• Requires holistic approach – policy, planning; phasing development

Diesel fuel costdominates

1998 – First Wind FarmLow renewable energy penetration

“Low hanging fruit”Deliberately limited RE installedNo impact to operations

Simplified Solar PV example

15% reduction in diesel

2.45MW wind (1.2MW min load) RE controlled (limited) protect dieselsSome RE is wasted (curtailed)

2004 – Wind Farm ExpansionMedium renewable energy penetration

Simplified Solar PV example

30% annual reduction in diesel

Note minimum diesel operation

Enabling technology – Dynamic Resistor (Load bank) elements

• Resistive elements artificially increase the load: convert excess to heat• Load balance is maintained (dynamically by resistors) – not diesel generators• More RE is utilised – more diesel savings

2008 – First enabling technologyEnhanced medium renewable energy penetration

Counterintuitive : taking spilled energy & converting to a useful service

35% annual reduction in diesel

• Absorb excess RE (increase the load)• Recover excess RE (power injected)• Applications

o Load balancingo reserveso power for security of supplyo energy shifting

2014 - Energy StorageAn enabling technology option for high RE penetration

Australia’s largest battery – 3MW / 1.5MWh King Island

2014 – Advanced hybrid systemAbility to operate at 100% RE penetration

• Need to always operate diesel generation has been a key barrier to renewables

100% RE systems require:• Surplus RE capacity• Full automation – high speed

communication and control• Enabling systems – that replace all

services provided by diesels

King Island flywheel – supports system without diesel generationConsumes surplus renewable energy to operate

Also an instant start diesel generator to provide firm capacity

2014 - Demand managementFurther optimise RE utilisation by altering demand to match available RE generation (another option)

• Aggregates controllable customer load to help balance demand / supply during high RE contribution and variation.

• Fast load shedding , smart EV charging, smart solar PV switching

• Monitoring customer load and providing data to customers via smart phone app.

2015 - King Island SystemProven, robust, reliable MW class hybrid systemResult of planned, coordinated activity

Winner 2013 innovation award

> $24m in diesel savings (>$2m per annum) > 900 hrs of diesel off operation

65% diesel savings now possibleGood return on investmentCost of power reduced

2015 – King Island System OperationExtended “diesel off” operation (100% RE)Combined performance of enabling systems

King Island app & web siteReal time datawww.kingislandrenewableenergy.com.au

2016 – Reduce cost of deploymentNew approach : Scalable modular enablers & control

Flinders Island Hybrid Energy Hub Project – under constructionAim is to further reduce time, cost, risk of deployments

Further information:

Hybrid Off-Grid SolutionsSimon Gamble

simon.gamble@hydro.com.auwww.kireip.com.au

“KIREIP” iPhone app

Thank you