Sanjeev Gutpa plans a 100MW energy storage battery project for Port Augusta to be run by his SIMIC Energy company

The concept for SIMIC Energy's Playford Utility Battery project at Port Augusta.
Image courtesy SIMIC Energy

The 100MW Playford Utility Battery project at Port Augusta was proposed by new Whyalla steelworks owner Sanjeev Gupta, as part of his SIMEC Energy Australia’s renewable energy portfolio and to services to the national electricity grid.

The battery plan was still in the stage of being  delivered by an engineer, procure and construction (EPC) contractor going into 2020. With its takeover of South Australia’s Zen Energy company, SIMEC Energy Australia became one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies in the design and installation of solar energy and energy storage systems. SIMEC Energy Australia is a part of Sanjeev Gutpa’s GFG Alliance.

The Playford battery was announced to provide direct and indirect employment opportunities in Port Augusta and surrounding areas and to help transform Whyalla Steelworks by enabling the supply of cheaper and cleaner energy. SIMEC Energy Australia started consultation discussions with the local community regarding the project.

Once energised, the Playford Utility Battery would  support the energy needs of SIMEC Energy Australia’s retail electricity customers, GFG’s Whyalla primary steel plant, and provide energy services to the National Electricity Market.