In an Australian first, our team has designed and built an energy microgrid at the South Australian Produce Markets Limited (SAPML). Our microgrid solution enables the SA Produce Markets precinct in Adelaide to be completely self-sufficient in its energy supply. In the event of a blackout, the entire site will be automatically isolated from the grid and the microgrid will supply the site’s entire electrical load enabling the SAPML market community to remain fully operational.
This is the largest microgrid of its kind in Australia, which not only provides energy security and optimised financial outcomes for SAPML, it also supports the SA Power network, due to its ability to stop consuming energy or supply energy to the grid, based on remote commands from the network provider.
The microgrid uses forecasts of site load (developed by Artificial Intelligence learning), weather patterns, Solar PV generation and grid energy prices to model the 24 hour projected energy profile and uses algorithms to prepare a schedule for charging and discharging of the battery in order to maximise energy savings and the site’s energy security.
The engineering and construction of this project was delivered seamlessly by Autonomous Energy as the principal contractor. The microgrid was officially opened on 20 November 2019 by the Minister for Energy and Mining, the Hon Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP.
Autonomous Energy solution
- The microgrid system comprises 6,412 solar modules able to provide 2.5MW of solar generation; 25 Tesla power pack batteries able to deliver 2.61MW/4.325 MWh of storage. *Note: the solar and battery power is separate, so the system can have 2.34MW solar (AC rating) and 2.61MW batteries going at once.
- Features a 2.4MW diesel generator which provides a complete off grid back-up solution in case of prolonged grid outage.
- Integrated the latest technologically advanced high voltage switch room and two dedicated transformers for connection of the solar, batteries and diesel generators to the clients internal HV ring.
- Batteries can charge from solar power, grid power or from the back-up generator, supplying the site loads when the sun goes down or exporting to the grid when spot prices are high.
- This type of functionality and technology mix is unprecedented for a commercial facility in Australia. The microgrid will provide sustainable, cost effective and reliable onsite energy generation that will reduce demand on the South Australian grid and reduce the cost of electricity for growers and wholesale market stall holders located at the SAMPL precinct.
- In the event of grid outage, the system will automatically isolate from the grid and continue to supply the site’s full electrical load.
- The project used 45kms of electrical cable, 200 tonnes of concrete and 1km of fibre optic cable.
- The project will have significant community and environmental benefit by cutting the sites greenhouse gas emissions by 32% and reducing the maximum demand on the South Australian electricity grid by using smart energy forecasting technology.
- At full capacity the system can provide electricity to power 4,500 homes.
- Installation of the system was carried out by Autonomous Energy’s experienced Project Delivery Team on a busy, live site with minimal disruption to the site’s regular operations.
What South Australian Produce Market says
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It is anticipated that market stallholders will save up to $590,000 every year compared to the current retail offers available, ensuring that we continue to provide affordable fresh produce on a local and global platform.
- Angelo Demasi, CEO, South Australian Produce Market