AGL supplies hybrid micro-grid to Santos

Australian utility AGL on October 21 said it is helping oil and gas explorer Santos to achieve their goal of becoming net-zero by 2040, with the completion of a hybrid micro-grid that will power 13 oil pump loads in the Cooper basin.

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

AGL CEO said the micro-grid 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,” Corbett said. “We developed an intelligent micro-grid control system that reduces the safety risks for remote area work and ensures reliable and sustainable supply.”

The micro-grid 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 the oil pump sites via a 6 km high voltage transmission power line and step-down transformers.