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Australia finalizes its grand solar-wind hybrid project

Australia's Kennedy Energy Park, the world's first utility-scale solar-wind hybrid project with integrated battery storage located in Queensland's Flinders Shire, is entering final testing stages after years of delays and is set to begin partial operation in early 2023, combining 43 MW wind, 15 MW solar, and 2 MW/4 MWh battery capacity to provide more consistent renewable energy under a 10-year power purchase agreement with CS Energy.

Windlab has confirmed the final stages of testing for the Kennedy Energy Park, a solar-wind hybrid project that combines the strengths of both energy sources. After years of delays, the project is finally approaching full operation.

The facility and its prospects

The Kennedy Energy Park, located in Flinders Shire, Queensland, is seen as a significant step forward for renewable energy in Australia. The park was completed in 2018 and is notable for being the world’s first utility-scale project to combine solar, wind, and storage. It features 43 MW of wind, 15 MW of solar, and a 2 MW/4 MWh battery. Despite its completion, the park’s operation was delayed due to legal and technical challenges.

The location was chosen for its high solar irradiance. In Flinders Shire, solar energy ramps up in the morning, while wind power increases in the evening and continues through the night. This combination helps prevent the intermittent power generation issues that can occur when using only solar or wind energy.

The plant is a joint development between Windlab, a global renewable energy company, and Eurus Energy, a Japanese energy company. The project has secured a 10-year power purchase agreement with Queensland’s CS Energy, aligning with Windlab's goal to deliver around 20% of Australia’s renewable energy.

The Kennedy Energy Park is currently in its final testing stages and is expected to go live in early 2023. After initial tests, the facility is authorized to operate at 25 MW capacity, allowing it to export 80% of the energy expected at its full 50 MW capacity.

Hybrid renewable energy market

Hybrid renewable energy plants are becoming more common worldwide, especially in regions with favorable weather conditions. For example, in Western Minnesota, a $5 million solar/wind power plant was installed in 2019, running 500 kW of solar power through the inverter of a 2 MW wind turbine. Similar utility plants exist in India and China.

Hybrid systems are not limited to solar and wind. Other combinations include hydro and wind, solar PV and solar thermal, wind/hydrogen, wind/diesel, and more. Some projects even use three sources, such as adding wave energy to solar and wind plants, to further boost energy output.

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