UGL, a subsidiary of Australian contractor Cimic, has been selected by Hong Kong-based electricity and gas company Alinta Energy to install a 35MW one-hour battery storage system in Port Hedland, Western Australia.

Alinta also selected Chinese company SEPD Monford to deliver a 45MW solar array to charge the batteries.

The US$118m project will employ 200 staff and will provide all daytime energy to Port Hedland through solar power, with remaining requirements met via the batteries and Alinta’s existing gas-fired power station.

Juan Santamaria, Cimic’s executive chairman, said: “We are pleased to deliver our experience to this growth project – a major energy storage project in Port Hedland – for our client Alinta Energy. Projects in high-tech, energy transition and sustainable infrastructure are a key focus for our Group.”

Work on Port Hedland has begun and is expected to be completed in late 2024.

Alinta Energy has development approvals for a future expansion to a 60MW two-hour battery storage system and 90MW AC solar array.