LOCATION: Alice Springs, NT
SCOPE: Cooling system supply for 5MW battery installation
PRODUCT USED: Europress 316L stainless steel oxygen pipework system
The Challenge
Alice Springs is no stranger to extremes. It's one of the sunniest places in Australia, with solar energy making up a significant share of local generation. But that high solar penetration comes with a downside: inconsistent output and misaligned timing with demand.
Midday generation often peaks hours before evening demand, and cloud cover can cause sudden dips in supply. The client needed a solution that could stabilise the grid, smoothing out solar input, managing peak loads, and handling rapid changes in demand.
A 5MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was designed to do just that. Installed by the client, the system would provide fast-response support for the Alice Springs network. But the battery system itself needed reliable, safe, and efficient cooling and that’s where Air Energy came in.
The Solution
We supplied Europress 304 stainless steel press fittings for the entire cooling system. These fittings were chosen for a few key reasons:
- No flame, no spark — critical when working near battery modules
- Fast install — helped recover time lost earlier in the project
- Clean, reliable finish — low maintenance, long-term durability
The press system also reduced the need for hot work permits and extra safety gear, simplifying installation in the field and avoiding unnecessary delays.
The Outcome
Thanks to fast-tracked installation and simplified safety compliance, Air Energy’s system helped bring the project in under budget and back on schedule.
The battery now delivers 10% of Alice Springs' load and plays a key role in balancing the Territory's solar-heavy energy profile. It provides:
- Grid stability during solar dips or outages
- Peak shaving during high-demand summer afternoons
- Support during grid contingency events
- A blueprint for other large-scale storage projects in harsh environments
With weatherproof cabinets, reinforced foundations, and earthquake-resilient engineering, this installation stands among the largest grid-tied BESS sites in Australasia.
Why It Matters
This project shows how small choices, like the pipe fitting system, can have a big impact on risk, cost, and timeline. Europress delivered on all three fronts.
At Air Energy, we don’t just ship pipework. We solve problems. Especially when the stakes are high and the climate’s unforgiving.
