Alinta Energy agrees UGL Australian storage contract

Alinta Energy has appointed UGL and the Shanghai Electric Power Design Institute Co and Monford Group Pty Ltd (SEPD Monford) to deliver its Port Hedland solar battery hybrid project in Australia. 

UGL, a CIMIC Group company, has been appointed to deliver the 35 MW one-hour battery storage system and SEPD Monford to deliver an approximately 45 MW AC fixed-tilt solar array, for a total project cost of around $180 million.

The project is expected to create around 200 jobs and be operational by late 2024.

The project underpins a power purchase agreement with BHP that’s expected to halve emissions from the generation of electricity used to power BHP’s WA iron ore port facilities in Port Hedland.

Once completed, it’s expected that 100 per cent of the forecasted average daytime energy requirements for BHP’s port facilities will be powered by solar generation, with the remaining power requirements to be met via the battery and Alinta Energy’s existing gas-fired power station.

Alinta Energy, BHP, UGL and SEPD Monford are “committed to seeking opportunities to include local and indigenous content, including opportunities for local, Pilbara Aboriginal and Kariyarra Traditional Owner businesses,” a statement said.

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