Every firming project supported through Tender Round 2 of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is now complete, with three batteries and a virtual power plant up and running. Together, they can power around 400,000 households at peak demand.
The four projects can supply energy or reduce demand when the electricity system needs it most, bolstering reliability during periods of peak demand, such as on hot summer days.
The Minns Labor Government is delivering new firming capacity to keep the lights on and put downward pressure on prices as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
Delivered by AGL, Akaysha Energy, Iberdrola Australia and Enel X, the projects represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW:
| Project | Company | Capacity | Storage capacity |
| Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) - Muswellbrook | AGL Energy | 500 megawatts (MW) | 1,000 megawatt hours (MWh) |
| Orana BESS - Montefiores | Akaysha Energy | 415 MW | 1,660 MWh |
| Smithfield BESS - Smithfield | Iberdrola Energy | 65 MW | 130 MWh |
| Virtual Power Plant - statewide | Enel X | 95 MW demand response | Minimum dispatch duration of 2 hours |
The projects have also delivered economic benefits for regional and metropolitan communities, supporting more than 1,500 jobs during construction while further strengthening NSW's position as a destination for clean energy investment.
Tender Round 2 was delivered under the Roadmap, with additional support from the Commonwealth Government, to bring forward private investment in the firming infrastructure NSW needs to maintain reliability as coal-fired power stations retire.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:
"The completion of these batteries and the virtual power plant is an important milestone for NSW.
"Together, these projects can provide enough firming capacity to meet the peak electricity demand of around 400,000 homes, helping keep the lights on during the hot summer to come.
"These projects alone represent more than $1.8 billion of investment in NSW and have supported more than 1,500 jobs."
Iberdrola Australia CEO Paul Simshauser AM said:
"We were excited to have Minister Sharpe officially open our 65 MW Smithfield BESS, which is now powering the equivalent of 20,000 homes in Western Sydney and importantly releasing energy during evening peaks which reduces costs to consumers.
"We're proud to have delivered this project ahead of schedule, providing local jobs, using local businesses and equipment during construction."
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."
AGL Chief Operations and Construction Officer Matthew Currie said:
"The Liddell Battery is one of Australia's largest grid-scale batteries. It's helping to support NSW's transition to a renewable energy future.
"The 500-megawatt (MW) battery reached full commercial operations this month and is storing and dispatching energy to power homes and businesses.
"The battery is the first major development at the former Liddell Power Station site and is an important step in AGL's plans to transform Liddell as part of our future Hunter Energy Hub."
An Enel X spokesperson said:
"The work completed through this program demonstrates the important role of flexible demand in building a cleaner, more reliable electricity system.
"Enel X is proud to have delivered 95 MW of flexible demand capacity, with participating customers already helping the NSW grid during the December 2025 heat event and periods of peak demand.
"We look forward to continuing to strengthen NSW's electricity system through future Roadmap initiatives, including delivery of an additional 32 MW under the latest Firming tender."
