Neoen gets green light for 405-MW Aussie hybrid renewables complex

French renewables developer Neoen has won development approval for an up to 405-MW renewable energy hub in South Australia, combining wind, solar and battery storage, and with a potential green hydrogen component.

The approval, awarded by the South Australian government earlier this month, allows Neoen to install up to 125 MW of wind, up to 150 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) and up to 130 MW/400 MWh of lithium-ion energy storage capacity. The project also proposes the addition of a green hydrogen production facility of up to 50 MW, depending on the outcome of a feasibility study conducted in partnership with the state government.

To be located near Port Pirie and Crystal Brook, the Crystal Brook Energy Park will use 26 wind turbines, Australia’s tallest ones, reaching a height of 240 metres (787 ft). The wind and solar park, which will feature between 400,000 and 500,000 PV panels, will be linked to the battery system through an underground transmission line using 33-kV cables. The batteries will be located on a separate site.

As for the hydrogen facility, the South Australian government has allocated AUD 24 million (USD 16.2m/EUR 14.5m) in grant and loan funding for its construction, pending a successful outcome of the feasibility study.

Construction of the hybrid power hub is planned to begin in the second half of next year, according to ReNew Economy.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.676/EUR 0.604)

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