juwi to develop solar-plus-storage project at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

juwi Renewable Energy and the University of Queensland signed off on an agreement on 30 August 2018 to develop a PV / battery hybrid power solution at the Heron Island Research Station located in the Great Barrier Reef.

The hybrid installation is comprised of 500kW rooftop installation combined with a 0.6MWh vanadium flow battery integrated with diesel generators using a microgrid control system.

Once completed, the project is expected to cover over 80% of the research facilities’ yearly electricity outputs. It is expected to be operational in mid-2019.

Dave Manning, global head of hybrid for juwi said: “Hybrid power solutions offer the potential to significantly reduce the amount of diesel consumption in often pristine environments whilst maintaining reliability.

“On top of that hybrid power stations now generate electricity at a lower cost than traditional fossil fuel power stations. We are looking forward to working with the University of Queensland to deliver this landmark project on the Great Barrier Reef.”