Manilla Solar Phase 2 Hydrogen Energy Storage System (Project Renamed and Reclassified as Under Development)
Manilla Solar Phase 2 Hydrogen Energy Storage System
A hybrid battery storage system of lithium-ion batteries and a hydrogen storage medium is planned to be installed as Phase 2 of a solar PV development near the town of Manilla in rural New South Wales.
| Main proponents:
Manilla Community Renewable Energy Inc., Providence Asset Group |
Main end-use classification:
Microgrid/ regional applications |
Status:
Under development – refers to Phase 2 implementation of the overall project |
Estimated cost:
AUD$7.3 million for the whole project |
| Other involvement:
|
Production details:
Hydrogen production under evaluation |
Location:
New South Wales, Australia |
Announced funding:
AUD$3.5 million – New South Wales Government Regional Community Energy Fund |
Project description
The project proponents are developing a community-based solar farm and renewable energy storage facilities near the town of Manilla in rural New South Wales.
The project is to be located on a 15-hectare block just outside the small town of Manilla, 45 kilometres (km) northwest of the regional city of Tamworth in New South Wales (and within 3 km of the local electrical substation).
Manilla Community Renewable Energy Inc. (MCRE) was formed in 2013 by local investors with the aim of developing a community-owned renewable energy project. Providence Asset Group is a clean energy-oriented investment group which will help develop the Manilla Solar project. (Providence Asset Group is involved in a range of community renewable solar developments across New South Wales.)
The project is to be developed in Phases: Phase 1 involves a solar PV development (4.95 MW of solar PV electricity generation capacity) to be followed by progression to Phase 2, the implementation of a lithium-ion and (renewables-based) hydrogen production and energy storage system. The size of the storage system is under evaluation.
Hydrogen storage is considered complementary to lithium-ion battery storage, the former provides long term energy storage while lithium-ion provides short-term power and grid support benefits.
The solar farm would be connected to the electricity grid to allow access to the community as well as the wider energy market.
A Development Application focussed on Phase 1 was submitted in March 2020. The Application was approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel in December 2020. A storage Development Application is to be included as part of Phase 2.
‘Construction activities for Phase 1 are expected to start in the first part of 2023. Phase 2 may move to implementation in 2023.
Milestones
March 2020: The New South Wales Government announces a grant of AUD$3.5 million (through the Regional Community Energy Fund) to support the project.
December 2020: The Northern Regional Planning Panel approves the Development Application for the Manilla Solar project.
Updated: October 2022