Since October 2023, KBESS1 has been operating in the WEM after it was commissioned in mid-2023.  On average it has withdrawn 275MWh per day (the majority of this assisting in the daytime energy demand trough) from the grid and discharged 231MWh per day into the grid (the majority of this assisting with the evening energy demand peak). This equates to 1.3 cycles per day, where a cycle is a full battery charge and discharge. Its maximum daily use was 2.9 cycles when it withdrew 571MWh and injected 521MWh on 7 June 2024. 

With KBESS1 successfully completed, we have been able to identify further efficiencies in how we deliver the next tranche of storage projects, including both Kwinana battery energy storage system 2 (KBESS2) and Collie battery energy storage system (CBESS). 

Construction of KBESS2 commenced in mid-2023, supported by local contractor, Genus Industrial Services, creating up to 160 local jobs. In January 2024, 288 containerised battery units were lifted into place and, by July 2024, KBESS1 substation integration work had been completed, providing the connection for KBESS2 to the Western Power network. As at July 2024, commissioning commenced, with facility testing scheduled for October 2024. KBESS2 is expected to operational by the end of 2024.  

We received development approval for one of the largest battery energy storage systems in Australia, CBESS, in December 2023. The project, which will generate up to 500 local jobs during construction, will utilise 640 containerised batteries, 160 inverters and 260 kilometres of high voltage cables. In February 2024, Collie-based company, Cardinal Contractors, commenced site-preparation works, which were completed in May 2024. Balance of plant contractor, SCEE Group, mobilised to site in June 2024 with CBESS expected to be operational by the end of 2025. 

The batteries mark significant progress towards our strategic objective of building 1,100MW of energy storage by 2030.

 

The Case Management program provides tailored hardship assistance options to customers experiencing severe financial difficulty.  The team consists of case managers who are specially trained to work directly with customers on an individual basis. 

In the financial year 2023-24, Synergy’s case management team supported 6846 customers in hardship, delivering valuable outcomes such as:

• Reduced energy use for 25 per cent of customers so they were able to meet ongoing consumption costs.
• Connecting customers to community support services.
• Customers piloting new tailored products and services.
• Improved customer sentiment – customer feedback has highlighted the value of having an empathetic, understanding team to speak to.
• Improvements in engagement with 82 per cent rating the case management program positively for customer service and program support.

 

The WA EV Network will include 98 fast charging stations across 49 locations in Western Australia, stretching over 7,000 kilometres from Kununurra in the north, to Esperance in the south and Mundrabilla in the east. The project has progressed significantly since being announced in late-2021. By June 30, 2024, Synergy had completed 20 of 22 WA EV Network fast charging sites on the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). The network is expected to be completed in late-2024. 

To date, more than 15,000 charges have occurred via WA EV Network charging stations located in the SWIS, with 34 charges on average per day across the network and one and a half hours of use per day per charger. The Kings Park charging site averages nine hours a day.

Charging patterns across the WA EV Network are encouraging with around 65 per cent of charges occurring between 9am and 3pm, during off peak demand periods, contributing to a more stable electricity system. 

There has been a continuing upward trend in EV registrations in Western Australia. In the December 2023 quarter, there were more than 17,000 electric vehicles registered in the state, which made up about 0.84 per cent of total light vehicle registrations.

 

A bespoke mast climber underwent testing before starting its climb up the first of two chimney stacks. It will climb up the outside of the stack and break sections into the stack. This approach improves safety and will minimise the impact on the site.

The demolition of two large coal bunkers, boilers, turbines and most of the turbine hall structure has started. Preparation and preliminary works such as boundary protection, energy isolation, internal office stripping and decommissioning have been completed. Hazardous materials have been successfully managed. Steel is being recycled and soils/sand stockpiled for re-use on site where practical.

 

One of our NCESS contracts leverages our Solar Rewards product which was launched on 1 October 2023.

Solar Rewards allows our customers to opt-in to unlock further value from their rooftop solar systems through greater participation in the energy system. 

It enables us the option to temporarily reduce the output of participating customers’ rooftop solar when electricity demand is low, and instead provides energy at no cost to the customer from the grid to assist with grid stability. About 4,000 customers opted-in, with many more joining the waiting list. 

The Solar Rewards initiative will help reduce the need for Emergency Solar Management (ESM). ESM is where rooftop solar systems are turned off remotely as a last resort measure to protect the grid during extreme low load events.

Through our other NCESS contracts, the Australian Energy Market Operator can draw on Kwinana battery energy storage system 1 and our partnership with a third-party aggregator. Once completed, the Australian Energy Market Operator will also leverage Kwinana battery energy storage system 2 for NCESS events.   

 

Commitments contained within the RAP include increasing the number of First Nations people employed by our organisation, establishing new early career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, facilitating cultural awareness training opportunities across our workforce and developing meaningful commercial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. 

 

2023-24 financial year community activities included:

• Volunteering hours: 421
• Sponsorships (excluding grants): $357,189
• Donations (goods to the value of): $57,600

Synergy sponsorships included the Collie River MTB Marathon and the It Takes a Spark! STEM Conference. Synergy held community information sessions for the King Rocks Wind Farm and a proposed windfarm in Scott River to consult with local residents.
Our employees also volunteered for worthy causes such as Operation Sunshine WA, Dress for Success Western Australia and Clean Up Australia Day.