AGL microgrid to help Santos decarbonise

AGL has announced it is assisting Santos in achieving its goal of becoming net-zero by 2040, with the completion of a hybrid microgrid that will power 13 oil pump loads in South Australia’s Cooper Basin.

In partnership with Santos, AGL has installed a microgrid that utilises solar, battery storage, generators and a monitoring and control system designed to respond to dynamic changes and power requirements.

AGL Chief Customer Officer, Christine Corbett said AGL’s microgrid would help Santos to shift to sustainable and reliable energy sources, improving both the commercial performance and overall environmental impact of its oil wells included in the project.

“Santos was seeking an energy solution that was less carbon-intensive and more cost-effective to maintain in a remote location,” she said. “We developed an intelligent microgrid control system that reduces the safety risks for remote area work and ensures reliable and sustainable supply. The system will reduce maintenance time, improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and most importantly use renewable energy, supporting Santos in lowering its emissions.

“An area like South Australia’s Cooper Basin can often be exposed to unexpected weather events and by using a multi-sourced system we are ensuring Santos has a more reliable source of energy. During the day, energy is largely provided from solar and generators and overnight the generators and the battery continue to provide essential supply.

“This project is an excellent example of how distributed energy resources can create an efficient and sustainable solution for businesses.”

The microgrid is made up of a centralised 130 kW solar PV system, a 437 kWh battery storage system, a 500 kVA pad-mounted step-up transformer and two new 450 kVA generators connected to oil pump sites via a 6 km-high voltage transmission power line and step-down transformers.

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