New Zealand company Vector Energy Solutions is set to integrate a Tesla Powerpack with wind generation to meet the energy needs of salt manufacturer Dominion Salt located at the top of the South Island.
Vector will combine energy storage with Dominion's 660KW turbine at its Lake Grassmere works. Once integration is complete, 75% of the site's energy needs will be met on-site, rather than from the country's grid.
The system is scheduled to go on stream before the year ends.
“The solution Vector has created for Dominion Salt provides sustainability and resilience benefits to the salt producer," said Brian Ryan, Vector’s group general manager, Development.
{loadposition sam08}“The Tesla Powerpack will help with peak shaving and load management while ‘firming or smoothing’ the often-intermittent energy generated by wind turbines.
“The addition of a 250kW battery storage system, storing up to 570kW hours of energy, will allow Dominion Salt to maximise the use of its wind turbine and store any excess generation for use at other times.
“The control system, built specifically for Dominion Salt, will be remotely monitored, 24/7, to ensure it’s running optimally.”
Ryan said new technologies such as these were viable alternatives to businesses, providing real sustainability and commercial benefits.
Vector was pursuing other opportunities in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands to deploy both on-grid and off-grid battery storage systems, he added.