Batteries are forming a larger part of the energy grid as NSW transitions to renewables. Photo: EnergyCo, NSW Government.
All firming projects supported through tender round two of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap are now complete, with three batteries and a virtual power plant up and running in time for summer.
The four assets can power about 400,000 households during peak demand, supplying energy when the system needs it most, improving reliability on the hottest summer days.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering new firming capacity to strengthen the electrical system and reduce the price of power as coal-fired power stations are retired.
The projects, delivered by AGL, Akaysha Energy, Iberdrola Australia and Enel X, represent more than $1.8 billion in investment.
Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is operated by AGL, with a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) and storage capacity of 1000 megawatt-hours (MWh).
“The Liddell Battery is one of Australia’s largest grid-scale batteries,” AGL chief operations and construction officer Matthew Currie said. ”It’s helping to support NSW’s transition to a renewable energy future.
“The 500 MW battery reached full commercial operations this month and is storing and dispatching energy to power homes and businesses.”
The Orana BESS in Montefiores is run by Akaysha Energy, with a capacity of 415 MW and storage capacity of 1660 MWh. Smithfield’s BESS, from Iberdrola Energy, has a capacity of 65 MW and 130 MWh.
Finally, a state Virtual Power Plant from Enel X has a 95 MW demand response and a minimum dispatch duration of two hours.
These projects have delivered economic benefits for regional and urban communities, supporting more than 1500 jobs during construction.
Round two of the tender was delivered under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, with Federal Government support, to bring private investment to the firming infrastructure that the state needs.
Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter said: “The completion of these projects demonstrates how government policy and private investment can work together to accelerate the energy transition while maintaining reliability.
“As the developer and operator of the Orana BESS, one of the largest batteries in NSW, we’re proud to have delivered this on time and help support NSW’s energy security for years to come and provide critical capacity when the grid needs it most.”
