By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala
Namibia’s first utility-scale battery storage project has received some of its eight (8) Power Conversion Systems (PCS), the country’s power utility updated last week.
According to NamPower updates, the PCS containers will be used to convert Alternating Current (AC) electricity from the grid into Direct Current (DC) electricity to charge the batteries. The containers will also be used to convert DC electricity back to AC, which powers our homes, businesses, and industries.
According to Elifas Iilende, NamPower Generation Capital Projects engineer, the Omburu Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will have a total of nine PCS containers, each connected to four (4) battery containers, making a total of 36 battery containers with a total output of 51MW/51MWh.
12 BESS containers have been received, with four more expected. The remaining 32 battery containers and one (1) PCS container are all scheduled for arrival at Walvis Bay harbour in the next couple of weeks before end of the year, Iilende updated.
He added that the preparations for the Omburu BESS Project are ongoing, with the design works and procurement of all components almost completed, with the actual construction and on-site installation work also progressing.
The Omburu BESS Project is envisioned to enable NamPower to cost-effectively manage energy demand and supply by performing energy arbitrage and displacing expensive emergency energy. Moreover, according to Iilende it will also provide various grid stability services, enabling the grid to integrate additional intermittent renewable energy generation capacities, whilst ensuring security of supply.
The project is designed at a capacity of 51MW/ 51MWh using Lithium-Ion Prosphate (LFP) battery technology, combined with power conversion, controls, cooling and protection. It is a battery energy storage system that stores electricity for later use, and is expected to strengthen grid reliability and help the grid handle renewable energy smoothly.
Shandong Electrical, Engineering & Equipment Group Co., Ltd and Zhejiang Narada Power Source Co., Ltd JV are implementing the project at the Omburu Substation near Omaruru.
