The South Australian Produce Market is South Australia’s primary fresh produce wholesale market. Over 250,000 tonnes of fresh produce is traded between their 45 wholesalers, 60 growers and hundreds of retail operators each year. Produce traded is worth an estimated wholesale value of $550 million and represents a significant contributor to the South Australian economy driving its burgeoning food industry.
The South Australian Produce Market has shown leadership and initiative with their strategic approach to energy procurement and management. Their experience provides a valuable case study to other end consumers facing the same challenges empowering them to start the journey in addressing increasing energy costs and supply security challenges through the adoption of an active energy strategy.
CQ Energy has worked closely with the South Australian Produce Markets in their journey to address rising energy costs and security of supply challenges. Our initial work was to develop a procurement strategy by transitioning from standard retail contracts to wholesale purchase of electricity via the spot market. Acknowledging the significant changes occurring within Australia’s energy market, we assisted them in developing a business case for the implementation of an innovative hybrid microgrid energy solution comprising a 2.5MW solar PV system, 4MWh battery and 2.5MW diesel backup generator. The microgrid incorporates active real-time monitoring of the energy market and the microgrid status to respond to market events ensuring the South Australian Produce Market’s exposure to market risk is minimised whilst also capitalising on opportunities to maximise their investment.
CQ Energy assisted the South Australian Produce Market in securing a $2.5million grant under the Energy Productivity Program covering the implementation of the microgrid solution. Further work included the registration of the generating systems, development of a risk and compliance framework and management of renewable energy certificate creation.
SA Produce Market Micro Grid Launch