Ayala-led ACEN Corporation reported that its feasibility study on the proposed Phoenix pumped hydro project in Australia has been progressing, raising hopes for eventual commercial development of a large scale hydro facility in that energy market.
The Phoenix pumped hydro venture of ACEN Australia was so far selected by EnergyCo and WaterNSW “to receive feasibility funding” – primarily for such installation which is targeting the amalgamation of renewable energy with storage system.
In particular, EnergyCo extended AU$7.0 million from its pumped hydro recoverable grants program to bankroll the feasibility study phase of that hydro-plus-storage undertaking.
Additionally, the Ayala firm emphasized that “the project is being supported by the NSW government through WaterNSW’s Renewable Energy and Storage Program.”
If the project will eventually move to commercial fruition, it was specified that the facility would underpin the energy security goals of New South Wales; and it will likewise aid in the Australian government’s bid to replace coal-fired capacities that are already due for retirement.
At the same time, that proposed hydro project development will usher in NSW government’s shift to renewable energy sources as outlined in its Electricity Strategy.
“The 800-megawatt, 12-hour duration storage project is proposed within NSW’s Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone and, if found feasible and constructed, will offer energy storage solutions to support several nearby wind and solar assets,” ACEN said.
According to James Hay, chief executive of Energy Corporation of NSW, the milestone achieved in the FS of the project has been part of “ongoing efforts to identify renewable generation and storage opportunities on WaterNSW land and assets.”
He added “the Phoenix pumped hydro project has the potential to play a major role in improving our State’s energy security and supporting the transition to renewable energy,” adding that the project “presents an exceptional opportunity for private investment in regional communities and, if it proves to be feasible, will deliver long duration energy storage infrastructure that will help keep the grid cheaper, cleaner and more reliable.”
Anton Rohner, CEO of ACEN Australia similarly noted “this project has the potential to facilitate more renewable projects in the Central West Orana region and provide valuable firming services in NSW.”
He further stated “the Phoenix pumped hydro will be bidding for long-term energy services agreements for long-duration storage under the electricity infrastructure investment safeguard.”
ACEN International CEO Patrice Clausse also cited the NSW government’s “commitment to long-duration renewable energy storage facility development,” stressing that the funds extended to the project “will help deliver the valuable renewable energy firming capacity needed.”