In order to judge how EMC BESS programme is going, a comparison...

In order to judge how EMC BESS programme is going, a comparison needs to be made against the company's peers.

The best one I could find is the joint Decmil/Balance Services Group project in Perenjori WA.

The BESS is a similar size to those that CCE has been doing in locations that have similar challenges as those in Perenjori.

In researching the partnership doing the programme, I have discovered some interesting facts.

Decmil are a $200 million company that has done many projects in Australia and overseas.

https://decmil.com/our-projects/

The other half of the partnership, Balance Services Group has a very experienced team with close connections to Horizon Power.

http://www.balanceservicesgroup.com.au/team

Part of that team is James Darbyshire, described in the company profile as such:


Dr. James Darbyshire

"Manager - Concept Engineering


James is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts in renewable and conventional energy generation, integration and control. He has designed, developed and commissioned energy platforms in grid-connected environments as well as in remote locations and communities overseas."


The project in Perenjori was due to be completed more than twelve months ago but has had problems.

When at Horizon, James was involved in the solar array for the Murchison Radio Telescope.  He was also involved in a case study on feed-in from the Carnarvon Solar Power Station.

Having been involved in these projects, he and John Davison would know each other well.

http://apvi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Carnarvon-High-PV-Penetration-Case-Study.pdf

https://thewest.com.au/news/midwest-times/battery-power-a-dud-in-perenjori-locals-ng-b88801570z

https://www.power-technology.com/projects/carnarvon-solar-power-australia/

The point I am trying to make, is that the Perenjori BESS has the backing of two companies with resources and experience far in excess of EMC.

Despite that, they have not been able to deliver their project on time, nor to the satisfaction of the consumers.

I think this should all be taken into account when passing judgement on EMC.

The Western Australian grid presents many challenges.

I think companies like CCE/EMC and Decmil/BSG will eventually overcome these challenges but it won't come easily.  

Perhaps they need to pool their collective knowledge?