3 min read

Eraring Power Station Renewables Transition

Company	Origin Energy
Location	Eraring, New South Wales
Timeline	2024
Project Overview	The Eraring Power Station Transition Project represents a pivotal step in Australia's shift from coal-fired power to renewable energy. To ensure seamless energy integration, Insulect supplied equipment, services and ongoing support.
Products	Qualitrol IDM+ Qualitrol iQ+ Master Statin FCAS Autopoll software Product Commissioning Calibration service every 5 years Service contract agreement for monthly health checks

eraring power station

Overview

The Eraring Power Station Transition Project marks a critical chapter in Australia’s move from coal‑fired generation to renewable energy. While the long‑term goal is full closure by 2029, the station’s operational life has been extended to ensure energy security during a period where renewable capacity is still ramping up. This staged transition highlights the need for reliable systems that can support both existing generation and new technologies without compromising grid stability.
As part of this transition, a large‑scale battery energy storage system is being constructed alongside the power station. This battery will play a key role in supporting renewable integration, providing grid stability services, and helping balance supply and demand as coal generation is progressively reduced. Enerven was engaged as the EPC contractor to deliver this critical infrastructure.
To ensure the battery system could connect seamlessly to the grid and operate within strict market requirements, Insulect was engaged to supply monitoring equipment, commissioning services, and long‑term support.

Challenge

Connecting a new battery system at an existing coal‑fired power station presented several technical challenges. The system needed to meet stringent Australian Energy Market Operator requirements, particularly around voltage control, current measurement, and grid stability. Compliance was non‑negotiable, and real‑time visibility was essential.

There were also device‑level challenges to overcome. A specific DNP3 protocol needed to be activated and configured to ensure the monitoring system could deliver accurate, real‑time data in a format that met both the client’s and the grid operator’s expectations. Commissioning the system on a complex, live site added further pressure to ensure everything performed correctly from day one.

Solution

Insulect supplied a complete monitoring and support solution built around the Qualitrol IDM+, supported by the Qualitrol iQ+ Master Station and FCAS Autopoll software. Together, these systems regulate and optimise the power injected from the battery into the grid, ensuring it meets all voltage, current, and stability requirements.

The Insulect team worked closely with the client and EPC contractor to configure the system correctly, including activating and validating the required DNP3 protocol for real‑time monitoring. Insulect also led the on‑site commissioning process, resolving issues as they arose and ensuring the system was fully compliant and performing as intended before handover.

Beyond installation, Insulect established long‑term support arrangements, including calibration services every five years and a service contract for monthly health checks. This ensures the system remains accurate, reliable, and compliant throughout the transition period and beyond.

Benefits

With Insulect’s proven track record and reputation for strong customer support, the client had confidence that the project would be delivered smoothly and on time. Having worked with Insulect on previous monitoring and commissioning projects, the client trusted both the technology and the expertise behind it. On‑site support during commissioning reduced risk, minimised delays, and ensured challenges were resolved quickly without impacting the wider project schedule. The result was a monitoring solution that not only met compliance requirements but also supported long‑term operational confidence.

Results

The Eraring transition project now operates with a reliable, compliant monitoring system that supports the integration of large‑scale battery storage into the grid. Early compatibility and commissioning challenges were successfully overcome through close collaboration, technical expertise, and flexible problem‑solving. The system continues to be supported by regular health checks and calibration services, helping ensure ongoing performance as the site progresses through its phased transition. Through this project, Insulect once again demonstrated its ability to support complex energy infrastructure at a critical moment in Australia’s energy transformation.