Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Canadian Solar to deliver a large-scale battery in South Australia
CIP, through its CI V Flagship Fund, has selected Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE as the preferred major contractor to deliver its Summerfield Battery storage project in South Australia.
Located in the Murraylands, to Adelaide’s east, the project is strategically positioned along the proposed 275kV South East expansion – an Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Integrated System Plan (ISP) project to help bring in new renewable generation from the South East Renewable Energy Zone.
Summerfield is the first of multiple large-scale battery projects spearheaded by CIP in Australia. The project is currently sized at 2 hours storage duration but is expandable depending on market needs.
The 240MW Summerfield Battery will provide much-needed storage and grid stability, storing excess supply during low demand periods and delivering power back to the grid when it is needed most. This is vital to maintaining a reliable and affordable electricity supply to South Australia, Victoria and the wider national energy grid.
CIP’s development pipeline in Australia represents over $100 billion in capital investment across offshore and onshore wind, renewable hydrogen, pumped hydro and battery storage.
CIP Australia has been developing the project since 2019, including undertaking environmental assessments and engaging with the local community. The South Australian Government approved the project’s development application in 2021.
The Summerfield Battery is expected to reach a final investment decision early next year with construction to start by 2025.
Quotes attributable to Partner and Head of CIP Australia Jørn Hammer:
“We are excited about the role this battery will play in ensuring continued energy reliability for South Australians, and to be a catalyst for the transmission investment needed to unlock the South East Renewable Energy Zone.
“This is an ‘easy win’ as far as transmission investment goes.
“We welcome the passing of the new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Bill and acknowledge the work of Minister Koutsantonis and the South Australian Government in prioritising this world leading legislation.”
Quotes attributable to South Australian Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis:
“South Australia was a pioneer in bringing grid-scale batteries into the electricity system, creating a template taken up around the world.
“We are now at the forefront of the next phase, in which batteries provide stabilisation services and make a significant market impact by charging up from excess renewables and discharging energy when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.
“It’s fantastic to see a major international company in Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners investing in this technology in South Australia.
“The passing through State Parliament of the Malinauskas Labor Government’s landmark Hydrogen and Renewable Energy legislation last week will help pave the way for even more investment in the renewable energy sector.”
Quotes attributable to ElectraNet Executive Corporate Development Ash Manna:
“This highlights the critical role transmission plays to enabling access to the state’s significant green resources and its role in supporting South Australia and the nation’s transition to a clean energy future.
“We welcome today’s news from CIP Australia and look forward to continuing to work closely with them to support the connection of their Summerfield Battery Energy Storage System.”
Quotes attributable to President of e-STORAGE Colin Parkin:
"We are deeply honored to collaborate with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Flagship Fund CI V, and scale battery storage solutions in Australia.
“e-STORAGE will supply its proprietary SolBank battery energy storage systems, offering complete integration, commissioning, and long-term operational services for the Summerfield Battery Project.
“Together, we understand the pivotal role that battery storage systems play in achieving a sustainable future and we are engaged in making a difference in the renewable industry”.
About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) today is the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focus on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and renewable hydrogen.
CIP manages 11 funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 25 billion (AUD 40 billion) for investments in energy and associated infrastructure from more than 150 international institutional investors. CIP has approximately 400 employees and 12 offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cip.com.
About Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. It is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules, provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions, and developer of utility-scale solar power and battery storage projects with a geographically diversified pipeline in various stages of development. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
e-STORAGE is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar and a leading company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and integration of battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications. For additional information about e-STORAGE, please follow the LinkedIn page or visit www.csestorage.com.
About ElectraNet
ElectraNet owns and manages South Australia's high voltage transmission network which transports electricity over long distances from traditional and renewable generators – both local and interstate.