Berri Energy Project
Project overview
Flow Power worked with the local council to repurpose a retired racetrack in Berri, South Australia.
The site was converted into a solar farm that generates 11,500 MWh annually and a 7 MWh battery. In addition to generating clean energy for the local grid, native vegetation was planted onsite to enhance the local biodiversity.
Project details
With construction commencing in early 2022 and full commercial operations completed in early 2023, the Berri Energy Project contains 5.8MWp of solar panels, a 4.6MVA inverter and transformer power station and up to 7MWh of DC coupled battery storage.
Flow Power purchased the site from the Berri Barmera Council, who had the original vision to turn the ex-racetrack into a local solar farm.
Instead of building an entirely new line back to the project’s substation, the Berri Energy Project was connected to an existing 11kV line, reducing project costs and delivery time.
How does Berri Energy Project work?
Flow Power’s in house Engineering and Projects teams undertook all development, design, procurement, and engagement of all the following major work contracts (all local to South Australia).
• Drasol – civil and mechanical works
• Switch Energy Group – DC electrical works
• Electro Data and Generation – high voltage works
• Broadview Fencing – security fencing
• Reedy’s Contracting – pile-driving (local to the Riverlands area)
The Berri project is helping support local economic growth and grid stability in the Riverland region.
Westpac signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Flow Power to source the anchor off-take for the Berri Energy Project from 2023.
Over $190,000 is to be invested over the project’s lifetime to support local and South Australian initiatives via Flow Power’s community fund in partnership with Westpac.
The community fund includes:
- A partnership with Tauondi Aboriginal College supporting the launch of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program with Tauondi College, a First Nations education institution
- Installation of 2 electric vehicle chargers within the Berri local community at the Berri Senior Citizens Club
- Revegetation of land next to the Berri Solar Farm, planting 100 trees and 300 shrubs
- Working with local council to install bee hotels on site, to enhance the biodiversity of the environment close to the energy project
Westpac’s commitment is fundamental to the realisation of the Berri project, and without their support, this innovative new project would not have become a reality.
Located 240 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee Region, Berri is primarily an agricultural and viticultural city on the north bank of the Murray River. The town is exposed to plenty of sun throughout the year, making it a great spot on the South Australian network for a solar farm.
Timeline
Work with us
Flow Power is committed to working with local businesses in the regions where we operate. If you’re supplier or local business looking to partner with us, we want to hear from you.
If you’re wondering whether your land is right for a renewable energy project or want to learn more about the project development process, register your interest in project development opportunities with us.
If you’d like to know more about Berri Energy Project, get in touch with Flow Power today. To provide your feedback or submit a complaint, please complete this form.
Existing Flow Power customers, contact your dedicated account managers.