Wednesday 4 September 2024 Pacific Blue is proud to be among the winners of Australian Government’s first Capacity Investment Scheme tender. Pacific Blue’s 60-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Clements Gap, South Australia has been selected to participate in the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme. The Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy announced the investment in the project on Wednesday 4 September.Domenic Capomolla, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Blue, said the Australian Government’s endorsement is a significant achievement for the project.‘We are thrilled that the Clements Gap BESS has been selected by the Australian Government for the Capacity Investment Scheme.’ ‘Pacific Blue has been at the forefront of the renewable energy transition for more than 30 years and, as Australia’s only 100% renewable energy generator and retailer, we are immensely proud to receive the Australian Government’s support for our clean energy infrastructure,’ Mr Capomolla said. The Clements Gap BESS project will commence construction in October 2024 and is estimated to be completed in early 2026. The 60-megawatt BESS will provide a duration of approximately 140 megawatt hours — equivalent to powering 20,000 households for two hours. Simon Maan, General Manager Development, Delivery & Commercial at Pacific Blue said the investment is a significant win for the company and provides confidence for further investment in future renewable energy projects.‘Battery energy storage systems are a critical component to support Australia’s transition to renewable energy. Projects like Clements Gap BESS play a vital role in supporting grid stability during peak demand periods.’ ‘Government initiatives like the Capacity Investment Scheme have a measurable impact in helping companies like Pacific Blue to deliver projects that contribute to a more reliable, affordable and low-emissions energy system and help empower Australia’s clean energy future,’ Mr Maan said.Pacific Blue’s commitment to sustainability and partnering with local communities was a key factor in securing the CIS investment. Pacific Blue’s Clements Gap Sustainable Communities Fund has already invested more than $700,000 into 150 local sustainable initiatives since the commissioning of Clements Gap Wind Farm in 2010. A further $400,000 is slated to be invested in future.The BESS project is expected to create up to 60 local jobs during construction, including contributing at least $150,000 worth of business subcontracting to First Nations businesses. ‘We’re very pleased that the Australian Government has recognised the demonstrated community benefit,’ Mr Capomolla said. ‘For more than a decade we’ve been welcomed by the community. We’re proud of the relationship we’ve built, and we’re delighted to continue to work in this region and support South Australia’s renewable energy transition.’ The construction of Clements Gap BESS is the first key milestone for Pacific Blue in realising our 2-gigawatt pipeline of capacity and energy storage solutions. Located next to Pacific Blue’s existing wind farm, the BESS will support South Australia to meet its 2027 renewable targets. Media Contact: Media and Communications[email protected]