Broken Hill’s power supply is set for a major upgrade with a new high-tech energy storage system now in the works, promising a more reliable grid for the outback town. The project, unveiled this week, uses compressed air technology to store energy, a first for New South Wales and a game-changer for the region’s electricity needs.
The system works by compressing air into underground tanks when power’s plentiful—think sunny days or windy nights—then releasing it to spin turbines when demand kicks up. It’s designed to keep the lights on in a place that’s often copped outages, especially during scorching summers or stormy spells. With a capacity to pump out 200 megawatts for up to eight hours, it’s got the grunt to back the town’s homes and businesses.
Broken Hill’s been leaning on diesel generators and long-distance power lines for years, but this setup aims to cut that reliance. The tech’s cleaner and quieter than diesel, and it sidesteps the need for massive battery banks, using the area’s old mining tunnels instead. Construction’s already underway, with crews tapping into those underground spaces to get the system humming by late next year.
For locals, it’s a practical fix to a nagging problem—power that flickers less and holds up when the weather turns feral. The project’s also tipped to steady the grid as more solar and wind energy comes online, smoothing out the ups and downs of renewables. It’s a big win for a remote spot that’s often felt the pinch of being far from the action.
With the wheels turning, Broken Hill’s looking at a future where energy’s not just a worry but a strength. The town’s betting on this clever kit to keep it powered up, no matter what the outback throws its way.