Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Copenhagen Infrastructure V (CI V) fund, has officially launched the construction of the Summerfield project in Australia. This battery energy storage facility, with a capacity of 240 MW / 960 MWh, is located in South Australia, near existing transmission infrastructure.
A structuring project for the Australian market
The Summerfield project aims to meet the growing energy storage needs of the Australian grid. The facility will play a key role in managing the intermittency of renewable energy by shifting surplus energy generated during the day to peak demand periods. CIP has secured a ten-year power purchase agreement with Origin Energy, a major player in the Australian electricity market.
A strategic investment
The investment in Summerfield is part of CIP’s CI V fund, which aims to raise up to €12 billion to finance energy infrastructure projects worldwide. This Australian project marks a significant milestone for CIP, reinforcing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
Energy storage outlook and challenges
The rise of large-scale battery storage is becoming a crucial issue for balancing the Australian electrical grid. The state of South Australia, where the Summerfield project is located, has set ambitious renewable energy targets. This type of project helps stabilize electricity supply and optimize the integration of intermittent energy sources.