Aurora Energy Precinct

The Aurora Energy Precinct (Aurora) is a planned renewable energy park near Port Augusta in South Australia’s Upper Spencer Gulf. A 50-50 joint venture between 1414 Degrees and Vast Solar, this initiative brings together two leading Australian energy innovators.

About the precinct

Aurora will be developed as a staged renewable energy park with extensive opportunities for growth, development and revenue generation.

The precinct will have high voltage access to the National Electricity Market (NEM) at a key location on a 275kV transmission line.

Strong projections have already been published for 2025-2029 net revenue for a battery energy storage system (BESS) at this precinct.

Aurora has been designed to capture revenue opportunities in line with market dynamics. Initially that means connecting a 140MW/280MWh battery on the 275kV transmission line, to capture large flow cash projected for connection to the NEM.

The staged approach

We are working closely with our joint-venture partner, Vast Solar, to progress a Stage 1 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to final investment decision, having received a strong outlook for cash flow from a battery.

ElectraNet own and operate the 275kV transmission line. To progress to the next stage, we require BHP’s agreement to share and convert the transmission line to a dedicated network asset (DNA). These negotiations are in progress.

In the longer-term, Aurora also provides the opportunity to deploy:

a pilot of our SiBox® thermal energy storage technology
70MW Solar Photo Voltaic (PV)
150MW Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), using Vast Solar’s proprietary technology and
a solar methanol plant.

Aurora has development approval for each, including the 140MW/280MWh BESS, sub-station and associated works that enable connection to the NEM.

South Australian Crown land lease and heritage agreements are also in place.

How will this project generate revenue?

Initially, the BESS will generate revenue through connection to the NEM. The precinct provides the opportunity to expand revenue generation further, in later stages.

The project will support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon electricity system, by providing additional, reliable, renewable electricity supply to the grid.

Aurora provides the opportunity for low-cost charging from volatile grid sources (such as renewable energy) as well as earning potential from arbitrage and Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS).

We’re at a critical point in Australia’s energy transition – with coal fired power stations retiring or unavailable and energy prices going up. While there continues to be growth in renewable electricity projects, their supply is often intermittent or curtailed.