Overview
Recently B&R completed a flagship project for RayGen, a leading innovator in solar energy technology, assisting with the development of the Carwarp Power Plant, a cutting-edge renewable energy facility located in regional Victoria, near Mildura. The Carwarp Power Plant is the world’s largest next-generation Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) project, incorporating the highest efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) system globally. It is contracted to one of Australia’s largest utilities, AGL Energy.
This project is a major milestone in the global effort to enhance solar energy efficiency and storage capabilities. RayGen’s goal was to prove the efficiency of its innovative solar technology and develop a scalable solution that could be replicated for much larger energy delivery projects in the future. B&R was selected to collaborate with RayGen’s designers and engineers to create the custom power distribution solutions required for this flagship initiative.
Challenge
While solar energy has been an integral part of the energy landscape for decades, the need to improve the efficiency of solar energy capture remains critical in maximising return on investment. RayGen was looking to prototype a solution that could significantly enhance solar energy capture and storage. This was a challenge that required innovation, cost-effective engineering and the ability to scale solutions for a large-scale rollout.
The Carwarp Power Plant required B&R to develop solutions that would work within the highly specialised requirements of solar PV and LDES technology. Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on minimising environmental impact during construction and throughout the project lifecycle.
Solution
B&R’s expertise in electrical and power distribution systems, combined with its commitment to sustainability, made it an ideal partner for RayGen’s ambitious project. Our engineers worked closely with RayGen’s team to develop solutions that were not only cost-effective but also scalable for larger applications. We were tasked with modifying and customising several of our existing solutions to meet the unique needs of the Carwarp Power Plant.
B&R successfully delivered fully integrated, modified versions of the following products:
These custom enclosures were designed and integrated as a complete turnkey solution, ensuring optimal performance in the challenging environment of a large-scale solar power and storage facility.
The Carwarp project also benefitted from the support of Australian government funding, which facilitated collaboration with both local and international partners to design and manufacture innovative, high-efficiency energy storage and distribution components.
Result
The Carwarp Power Plant is a major success, both technologically and environmentally. As the world’s largest and most efficient long-duration energy storage system, it sets the stage for broader adoption of solar energy. B&R’s custom power distribution solutions contributed significantly to the project’s efficiency and scalability. The plant also adhered to stringent environmental guidelines, minimising its carbon footprint.
We are proud to support RayGen’s groundbreaking work in renewable energy and look forward to continuing our role as the Carwarp project expands and similar initiatives are rolled out globally.
B&R remains committed to delivering innovative, scalable and sustainable solutions for the renewable energy sector. This project highlights the power of collaboration and sustainable practices in shaping the future of clean energy.