| Company | Origin Energy |
| Location | Eraring, NSW |
| 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 |
|
Project Overview
The Eraring Power Station Transition Project represents a pivotal step in Australia's shift from coal-fired power to renewable energy. Originally slated for shutdown in 2025, this has now been postponed until 2027, with a permanent closure expected in 2029. The plant's operational life has been extended due to the current shortfall in renewable energy capacity required to fully replace its coal-fired generation. This extension underscores the critical need for a phased transition to ensure energy security and grid stability.
As part of this transition, the power station is constructing a large-scale battery storage system adjacent to the facility. This initiative is designed to support the gradual integration of renewable energy sources while maintaining grid reliability during the shift away from coal. The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, Enerven, were tasked with delivering this critical infrastructure.
To ensure seamless energy integration, Insulect's Qualitrol monitoring device, the Qualitrol IDM+, was selected to regulate and optimise the power injected from the new battery system, ensuring it meets stringent voltage, current, and stability requirements. The use of the Qualitrol iQ+ Master Statin and the FCAS Autopoll software supports this. The system was commissioned by the Insulect team and is supported by Insulect ongoing with calibration services every five years and monthly health checks.
The Eraring Power Station Transition Project represents a pivotal step in Australia's shift from coal-fired power to renewable energy. Originally slated for shutdown in 2025, this has now been postponed until 2027, with a permanent closure expected in 2029. The plant's operational life has been extended due to the current shortfall in renewable energy capacity required to fully replace its coal-fired generation. This extension underscores the critical need for a phased transition to ensure energy security and grid stability.
As part of this transition, the power station is constructing a large-scale battery storage system adjacent to the facility. This initiative is designed to support the gradual integration of renewable energy sources while maintaining grid reliability during the shift away from coal. The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, Enerven, were tasked with delivering this critical infrastructure.
To ensure seamless energy integration, Insulect's Qualitrol monitoring device, the Qualitrol IDM+, was selected to regulate and optimise the power injected from the new battery system, ensuring it meets stringent voltage, current, and stability requirements. The use of the Qualitrol iQ+ Master Statin and the FCAS Autopoll software supports this. The system was commissioned by the Insulect team and is supported by Insulect ongoing with calibration services every five years and monthly health checks.
Challenges
- Meeting the stringent requirements set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for connecting the new renewable energy source to the grid.
- Ensuring the quality of the device's capabilities, particularly the activation of a specific DNP3 protocol for real-time voltage and current monitoring, were compatible with the client's needs.
- Overcoming site commissioning challenges to ensure the device performed satisfactorily for the client.
Benefits to client
- Insulects proven track record of success and reputation for exceptional customer support meant the client could trust the project would run smoothly and on time.
- The client had worked with Insulect on previous power system monitoring, commissioning, and installation services so they were familiar with the company's products and trusted their capabilities.
- Insulect provided on-site support during the commissioning process, helping to address any challenges that arose.
Critical Success Factors
- Overcoming the initial compatibility issues between the quality device and the stringent AEMO requirements.
- Collaborating with the client to properly configure and activate the specific DNP3 protocol on the device for real-time monitoring.
- Providing on-site support and troubleshooting during the commissioning process to ensure the device performed as needed.
- Insulects commitment to maintaining open communication and flexibility with the client to find solutions that met their critical requirements.
- Insulect's reputation and customer service built trust with the client and demonstrated the team's proven ability to support the project.