Running a power grid with
100% renewables on King
Island, Australia
Simon Gamble
Manager Hybrid Off-Grid Solutions
Context and Key Messages
• It is possible to operate a MW scale island power system at 100% RE penetration
o Despite myths around RE you can improve safety, reliability and security
o Key is integration at all levels – policy, planning, design, control, operation
• However, to integrate renewable energy requires changes to system operation
o utility must be involved : new paradigm = new capability requirements
• Attractive returns on investment are possible
o Primary aim should be to displace diesel fuel through higher RE penetration
o Technology has matured, demonstrations have mitigated risk
Invitation to visit King Island and see the system working
2-day international workshop 18/19 November
Hydro Tasmania
Hybrid off-grid power systems capability
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Government Business Enterprise – owned by State
• Australia’s largest clean energy producer
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Utility responsible for generation, distribution and
retail in the Bass Strait islands
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Developer, owner and operator of leading hybrid offgrid systems
• King Island was our test bed for solution
development – menu of integration options
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Leading consultant to aid agencies and utilities,
including: Yap, Cook Islands, Rottnest Island, Coober
Pedy, Thursday Island.
King Island location
Source: Google Earth
King Island : largely agricultural land use with world class wind resource
King Island power system
18 year development path for renewable energy
Population approx. 1,600
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2.5MW load
6MW diesel generation
450km of 11kV
Expensive system - diesel fuel is 80% of cost - incentive to use RE
Adding RE is an integration challenge – RE displaces diesel generation
High RE requires enabling systems – communication; control; services
Requires holistic approach – policy, planning; phasing development
Diesel fuel cost
dominates
1998 – First Wind Farm
Low renewable energy penetration
“Low hanging fruit”
Deliberately limited RE installed
No impact to operations
Simplified Solar PV example
15% reduction in diesel
2004 – Wind Farm Expansion
Medium renewable energy penetration
2.45MW wind (1.2MW min load)
RE controlled (limited) protect diesels
Some RE is wasted (curtailed)
Simplified Solar PV example
30% annual reduction in diesel
Note minimum diesel operation
2008 – First enabling technology
Enhanced medium renewable energy penetration
Enabling technology – Dynamic Resistor (Load bank) elements
35% annual reduction in diesel
• Resistive elements artificially increase the load: convert excess to heat
• Load balance is maintained (dynamically by resistors) – not diesel generators
• More RE is utilised – more diesel savings
Counterintuitive : taking spilled energy & converting to a useful service
2014 - Energy Storage
An enabling technology option for high RE penetration
• Absorb excess RE (increase the load)
• Recover excess RE (power injected)
• Applications
o Load balancing
o reserves
o power for security of supply
o energy shifting
Australia’s largest battery – 3MW / 1.5MWh King Island
2014 – Advanced hybrid system
Ability to operate at 100% RE penetration
• Need to always operate diesel
generation has been a key barrier
to renewables
100% RE systems require:
• Surplus RE capacity
• Full automation – high speed
communication and control
• Enabling systems – that replace
all services provided by diesels
King Island flywheel – supports system without diesel generation
Consumes surplus renewable energy to operate
Also an instant start diesel generator to provide firm capacity
2014 - Demand management
Further optimise RE utilisation by altering demand to
match available RE generation (another option)
• Aggregates controllable customer load
to help balance demand / supply during
high RE contribution and variation.
• Fast load shedding , smart EV charging,
smart solar PV switching
• Monitoring customer load and providing
data to customers via smart phone app.
2015 - King Island System
Proven, robust, reliable MW class hybrid system
Result of planned, coordinated activity
> $24m in diesel savings (>$2m per annum)
> 900 hrs of diesel off operation
65% diesel savings now possible
Good return on investment
Cost of power reduced
Winner 2013 innovation award
2015 – King Island System Operation
Extended “diesel off” operation (100% RE)
Combined performance of enabling systems
King Island app & web site
Real time data
www.kingislandrenewableenergy.com.au
2016 – Reduce cost of deployment
New approach : Scalable modular enablers & control
Flinders Island Hybrid Energy Hub Project – under construction
Aim is to further reduce time, cost, risk of deployments
Thank you
Further information:
Hybrid Off-Grid Solutions
Simon Gamble
simon.gamble@hydro.com.au
www.kireip.com.au
“KIREIP” iPhone app