The Minns Labor Government is backing the largest rollout of big batteries in NSW history. The NSW Government has awarded contracts for six new long‑duration battery projects to strengthen the state's energy grid.
These batteries will ensure that NSW is on track to exceed its energy storage targets for the future. The batteries will help keep the lights on and provide enough low-cost renewable energy, being so powerful they can run one third of Sydney's households for a day.
NSW has the most battery projects in Australia with over 200 projects either under construction or in the planning pipeline.
The projects are:
- Great Western Battery in Wallerawang, near Lithgow (Neoen Australia) storing 3,500 megawatt hours (MWh)
- Bannaby Battery Energy Storage System, in the Southern Tablelands (BW ESS) storing 2,676 MWh
- Bowmans Creek Battery Energy Storage System, in the Upper Hunter (Ark Energy) storing 2,414 MWh
- Armidale East Battery Energy Storage System (FRV Services Australia) storing 1,440 MWh
- Kingswood Battery Energy Storage System, near Tamworth (Iberdrola Australia) storing 1,080 MWh
- Ebor Battery Energy Storage System, near Armidale (Bridge Energy) storing 870 MWh
The big batteries are due to be completed by 2030.
As part of the Renewable Energy Rollout, the projects have been awarded contracts that provide a revenue underwriting,accelerating new energy infrastructure while protecting consumers. This means that the Government is supporting the project by providing investment confidence.
This tender was run by ASL, the independent Consumer Trustee. It is the state's largest tender for long-duration storage to date, both in terms of total storage capacity and the number of contracts.
These projects are subject to the relevant planning approvals.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe MLC, along with the Member for Granville, Julia Finn MP, officially opened Iberdrola's completed Battery Energy Storage System in Western Sydney, which was successful as part of ASL's Roadmap Tender 2, supported by the Australian Government Capacity Investment Scheme.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:
"These six big batteries mean we're on track to smash our storage targets, harvesting the sun and the wind, so we can power NSW around the clock and put downward pressure on prices.
"We're not stopping here - NSW will support more projects, so we're ready for a grid powered by renewable energy, supported by gas."
Julia Finn MP, Member for Granville said:
"I'm thrilled to open Iberdrola's new Battery Energy Storage System in Smithfield, powering reliable energy to Western Sydney, while the Minns Labor Government backs more batteries right across NSW."
