Sungrow and Engie have started construction on the Pelican Point grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) project in South Australia, marking a key step in the state’s clean energy transition.
Developed in partnership with Elecnor and Electranet, the BESS project aims to reinforce the region’s renewable-rich power grid.
Located adjacent to the Pelican Point power station in Outer Harbour, Adelaide, the 200MW/400MWh BESS is set to start operations in the second half (H2) of 2027.
For Sungrow, Pelican Point marks its first grid-forming BESS project in South Australia.
The hybrid operational model integrates the upgraded gas plant with the new battery system to deliver flexible and reliable energy.
The Pelican Point BESS is engineered to provide large-scale storage, grid stability services, and enhanced system resilience for the broader network.
Upon completion, it will be able to store and discharge enough energy to power over 29,400 average South Australian homes.
The project will utilise an integrated suite of Sungrow technologies for utility-scale reliability and performance.
A grid-forming skid, combining SC6900UD-MV power conversion systems inverters, MV transformers, and a ring main unit, will enable bidirectional power conversion.
The solution also features ST5015UX battery containers from the PowerTitan 2.0 series, offering high energy density, liquid cooling, and advanced battery management to ensure reliability, safety, and long cycle life.
These containers are preassembled and factory-tested to expedite on-site installation and minimise integration risks.
Sungrow Australia country director Joe Zhou said: “The Pelican Point BESS marks an important step in Australia’s clean energy evolution. By combining Sungrow’s advanced grid-forming technology with Engie’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future, we’re delivering a solution built for today’s needs and tomorrow’s energy system.
“We’re proud to support South Australia as it continues to lead Australia in renewable integration.”
With construction in progress, the Pelican Point BESS is poised to become a cornerstone in South Australia’s energy transition.
Over the long term, it will facilitate greater renewable integration, enhance grid flexibility, and underpin future hybrid energy models.
In August this year, Sunterra RE partnered with Sungrow to deploy 1GWh of BESSs at three of its largest photovoltaic parks in Bulgaria.
