EDL’s Coober Pedy Hybrid Renewable Power Station Continues to Set New Industry Records

After nearly nine years of reliable operations, EDL’s Coober Pedy Hybrid Renewable Power Station has surpassed a major milestone with 116 hours of continuous diesel-free operations. That’s almost five straight days of energy for the iconic Australian mining town, all generated exclusively by wind, solar and battery power.

The power station came online in mid-2017 and integrates a 4 MW wind farm, 1 MW of solar power and a 1 MW/500kWhr battery, which is backed up by 4.15 MW of diesel generation.

Over its operating life the power station has averaged 74% renewable energy penetration, now including more than 25,000 hours of 100% renewable operation, when conditions allowed for the diesel plant to remain off.

To date, the longest continuous period the power station has operated on 100% renewable energy was 97 hours in December 2019.

EDL General Manager Remote Energy, Geoff Hobley said, “Coober Pedy is too remote for connection to a transmission network, but it is blessed with plenty of sunshine and prevailing winds, which is ideal for an off-grid hybrid renewable power station to provide the community with a consistent energy supply, with greatly reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

“The power station is something of a pioneer in the supply of hybrid power to remote areas. It demonstrated what is possible, which ultimately encouraged the development of many of Australia’s newest hybrid renewable power stations.’’

“The hybrid system has delivered significant operational benefits, including a substantial reduction in generation-related outages and a 64% reduction in diesel consumption and associated GHG emissions.’’

“This clearly demonstrates that, with the right expertise, hybrid renewable projects can be reliable and sustainable.”