freediver wrote Yesterday at 10:01am:


No normally it would be two, worksafe practices with high voltage is a minimum of two.

freediver wrote Yesterday at 10:24am:


Its called firewatch, you can't just install batteries and leave them. Security is also another issue, they will need 24hr security services.

You know if they did need to use the batteries which are limited to about an hours use a day it would be a disaster if they were not charged or the cabling connections were corroded. You have to have someone on site in case there is a problem, you can't wait until someone might be available later. Electricity supply is continuous, imagine telling your customers you will get power back after Jim comes back from fishing and he will go and see what the problem is.

Leroy wrote on Jan 13^th, 2025 at 4:40pm:


Whats sensible about ignoring a large portion of the costs?  You don't want a discussion, you just want to read from the  liberal party song sheet

freediver wrote Yesterday at 9:27am:


You have never heard of a battery failing? That comes down to maintenance. You have to keep an eye on them. Or maybe you have just never learned of a battery load test as opposed to just sticking a voltmeter across the terminals.

freediver wrote Yesterday at 12:46pm:


More from that posted link.

"2. Operating and Maintenance Costs

The operating and maintenance costs of a 1 MWh BESS include the cost of electricity for charging the batteries, the cost of cooling and other ancillary systems, and the cost of maintenance and repair services. These costs can vary depending on the usage patterns of the system and the local electricity rates.

Generally, the operating and maintenance costs of a 1 MWh BESS are relatively low compared to the capital cost. However, they can still add up over time and should be considered when evaluating the overall cost-effectiveness of the system.

3. Lifetime Costs

The lifetime cost of a 1 MWh BESS includes the capital cost, operating and maintenance costs, and the cost of replacing the batteries over the lifetime of the system. The lifetime of a BESS can vary depending on several factors, including the type of batteries used, the usage patterns, and the maintenance practices. Generally, lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of about 10-15 years, while lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan of about 5-10 years.

When evaluating the lifetime cost of a 1 MWh BESS, it is important to consider the cost of battery replacement and the potential for technology advancements that could reduce the cost of the system over time."

" relatively low compared to the capital cost" does not mean zero.

Now as to pumped hydro.  How long does it take to get environmental approval. Seeing as you have to have an upper dam and a lower dam. Both involve the drowning of land. That destroys the environment. So ruining the environment to save the planet is okay?

Shouldn't the Greens be about saving the environment?

freediver wrote Yesterday at 12:46pm:


Batteries cannot make power. the cost of batteries is not the cost of making the power, its only the cost of storing the power.

Coal, gas and nuclear make the actual power, without them the batteries are useless.

freediver wrote Yesterday at 2:35pm:


2.8 bil will get you 2000mwh. Thats just construction.

thats 640 container size batteries
40,000sqm of space required.

lee wrote Yesterday at 3:26pm:


I agree with your figures. It is relatively low. Compared to the capital expenditure.