Sungrow Breaks Ground on Templers Project, SA’s Second Largest Energy Storage Installation

Sungrow, a global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, and its partners have ‘broken ground’ on the Templers Battery project, South Australia’s second largest energy storage installation and the second largest stand-alone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Australia.

Project partners participated in the breaking ground ceremony on site at Templers, 60 km north of Adelaide. The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Sungrow, ZEN Energy, and China Energy Engineering Group Shanxi Electric Power Construction (SEPC).

The Templers project is a benchmark 138MW/330MWh venture that received grid connection approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in early 2023. It also broke the record with approval in 13 months from the first round of application submission. This milestone project is anticipated to achieve commercial operations in 2025.

Central to the project’s success is Sungrow’s cutting-edge liquid-cooled battery technology, designed to enhance grid reliability by mitigating intermittency issues and stabilising power supply. The PowerTitan energy storage system, specifically tailored to meet the unique demands of the Australian market and regulatory landscape, will be deployed. This advanced technology not only improves grid stability but also supports carbon dioxide reduction, aligning with South Australia’s vision for a cleaner, sustainable energy future.

Representing Sungrow at the ceremony were Director Thomas Hou, Technical Director Henry Liu, Project Director Jimmy Molea Merlo, and Senior Project Manager Felix Fang. Their presence underscored Sungrow’s commitment to advancing energy storage solutions in Australia.

From ZEN Energy, Technical Manager Dan Manderson, GM Assets & Development Adrian Rizza, and VP William Lu attended, highlighting their enthusiasm for the project and their role in driving South Australia’s clean energy transition.

China Energy Engineering Group Shanxi Electric Power Construction (SEPC) was represented by GM Liu Shao-Jun, Office Supervisor Yang Zhao-Dong, Deputy GM Lei Zuo-Yi, and Project Manager Hou Yi-Zhan. Their participation emphasised the importance of international collaboration in achieving significant energy milestones.

Additionally, CPP’s team, including Dimitri, Steven, and other members, were present to support the commencement of this landmark project.

Joe Zhou, Vice President of Sungrow APAC said, “We are thrilled to commence the Templers project, a testament to our commitment to advancing energy storage solutions in Australia. Our collaboration with ZEN Energy and SEPC underscores the potential of innovative technology in driving sustainable energy goals.”

“The Templers battery is a key milestone in ZEN’s significant growth and marks our first 100 percent owned major asset, in the state where we started.” Comments from Anthony Garnau, CEO of ZEN Energy.

“ZEN’s partnership with Sungrow and Shanxi Electric to deliver the Templers Battery will deliver far-reaching benefits through stabilising the supply of renewable, affordable energy into South Australia.”