HESS Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Ltd is planning the construction and operation of an energy storage system with an output power of 59MW, referring to the output power at the point of connection to the grid (POC) 50MW, and a storage power of 120MWh, referring to the storage power at the point of connection to the grid (POC) 100MWh, in the community of Psevda, Larnaca district.
The company submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA) on the project to the Department of Environment, which, after consultations and a thorough examination of the investment, issued a positive opinion, subject to conditions.
According to the Department of Environment's opinion, the purpose of the proposed project is to store electrical energy and channel it into the national electricity grid for trading purposes.
This channeling, it is added, will help in better managing electricity during periods of high demand, contributing to maintaining the stability of the energy network.
More specifically, the installation will receive high voltage electricity (132kV AC) from the EAC network, which will enter the EAC medium voltage substation and is expected to be erected within the unit.
It is noted that at the substation in question, the voltage of the current will be reduced to 33kV AC and will then be transferred to the unit's transformers, where a further reduction to 800V AC will occur.
It is worth mentioning that through the unit's power conversion system, the alternating current will be converted to 1200V DC and will be fed to the batteries for storage.
Subsequently, when there is increased demand or need for grid support, the batteries will release the stored energy in the form of 1200V direct current and the reverse process from the above is followed to increase the voltage of the current to 132kV AC for its final transmission to the high voltage transmission network.
Based on the Environment Department's opinion, the proposed energy storage system will operate with accumulators which will be placed in prefabricated container-type structures.
The storage system will consist of:
- 59 batteries (accumulators) in prefabricated buildings with a capacity of 2MW each,
- 8 prefabricated medium voltage transformer substations,
- 259 AC/DC & DC OX power converters for power conversion system (PCS) purposes,
- Prefabricated premises for use as an auxiliary station and control center,
- A.H.K. medium voltage substation with switchgear and transformer,
- 14 future locations for the installation of batteries at a future stage for the purposes of maintaining the capacity of the unit.
Auxiliary building
According to an information report on the project an auxiliary station building and a control center will be constructed on the site, which will include the infrastructure and systems required to monitor the operation of the facility.
The building will also include staff offices and some storage spaces.
It is noted that crusher run type material (estimated quantity <2000m3) will be used to form the internal road network of the facility.
The works
Also according to the opinion, the construction work for the proposed project will include earthworks to smooth the natural slopes of the plot, preparation for the placement of underground cabling networks, the creation of foundations and the construction of infrastructure for rainwater management and fencing of the plot.
It is emphasised that the excavation materials that will arise during the execution of the earthmoving works will be reused where possible for the execution of the backfilling works, while the excess excavation materials will be transferred to a licensed management facility.
It is also noted that the surface soil will be collected separately and reused in the context of landscaping works.
Furthermore, based on the information report, the electrification of the project during its construction will be carried out through an electric generator, while during its operation the supply of energy will be through the storage system.
It is emphasised that, according to the Cyprus Transmission System Operator, the connection of the proposed storage unit to the Transmission System will be carried out through the central substation of the energy storage facilities at the input substation, namely the Psevdas 132KV transmission substation.
The substation in question will be expanded for the purposes of the proposed development, with an indicative implementation schedule of 2029.
Additionally, based on the opinion, the construction work of the project is expected to last ten months, while the cost is estimated at 22 million euros.
Position of the Environmental Authority
The Environmental Authority, in formulating its position, took into account the information submitted based on article 23 of the "Law on the Assessment of the Impacts on the Environment of Certain Projects" [L.127(I)/2018] and its amendments from time to time, the views of the state departments and the on-site inspection.
Additionally, the Environmental Authority, based on article 24(5) of the Law, lists the main reasons why an Environmental Impact Assessment Study is not required, with reference to the relevant criteria of the Fourth Annex and proposes the characteristics of the project and the measures envisaged to prevent or mitigate impacts that would otherwise be significant and adverse to the environment.
Specifically, it examined the following criteria:
- Project characteristics: The proposed project (PP) concerns the construction and operation of an energy storage system with an output power of 59MW and a storage capacity of 120MWh for the company HESS Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Ltd. The system includes 59 batteries (accumulators) in prefabricated housings of 2MW each, 8 medium voltage transformer housings and 259 converters.
- Project location: The project is located within the boundaries of the Psevda Community of Larnaca District in urban planning zone D1 – Livestock Zone in which the construction of premises for the mass breeding of animals and birds (excluding pigs) is permitted. However, the topography of the plot, due to the elevation differences it presents, makes the construction and operation of an intensive livestock breeding unit technically complex and economically unprofitable. It is noted that, due to the proximity of the plot to energy infrastructures such as the EAC substation, the high voltage cables connected to the substation and the neighboring wind farm, make the operation of the proposed project compatible with the industrial and supporting land uses of the wider area.
- Type and characteristics of potential impacts : The impacts from the construction of the project are mainly focused on the change of use of the plot. With rational management and the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures as well as the observance and monitoring of the relevant conditions, the impacts are expected to be manageable.
Therefore, the Environmental Authority, having taken into account the criteria of the Fourth Annex of the Law, does not object to the construction of the proposed project under the terms/conditions mentioned in the Annexes to the Terms mentioned in the positive opinion.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
