The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) has delivered another massive boost to Australia's renewable energy.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy has announced the results of Tender 3, focused on adding dispatchable power to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The successful projects will deliver 4.13 GW (around 15.37 GWh) of capacity, which is enough battery storage to power over 3.5 million homes for four hours during peak demand.
Sixteen large-scale battery projects across Australia were selected, including:
New South Wales (NSW)
- Bulabul 2 BESS (406 MWh) operated by AMPYR Australia, at Wuuluman
- Calala BESS (300 MWh) operated by Equis, at Calala
- Goulburn River Standalone BESS (1370 MWh) operated by Lightsource bp, at Merriwa
- Mount Piper BESS Stage 1 (1000 MWh) operated by Energy Australia, at Blackmans Flat
- Swallow Tail BESS (1218 MWh) operated by AMPYR Australia, at Bannaby
Victoria
- Deer Park BESS (1100 MWh) operated by Akaysha Energy, at Ravenhall
- Joel Joel BESS (1000 MWh) operated by ACEnergy Pty Ltd, at Joel Joel Kiamal BESS (810 MWh) operated by TotalEnergies Renewables Australia, at Ouyen
- Little River BESS (1400 MWh) operated by ACEnergy Pty Ltd, at Little River
- Mornington BESS (587 MWh) operated by Valent Energy, at Tyabb
Queensland
- Capricorn BESS (1200 MWh) operated by Potentia Energy, at Bouldercombe
- Lower Wonga BESS (800 Mwh) operated by Equis, at Lower Wonga
- Teebar BESS (1600 MWh) operated by Atmos Renewables, at Gigoomgan
- Ulinda Park Expansion (780 MWh) operated by Akaysha Energy, at Hopeland
South Australia
- Koolunga BESS (800 MWh) operated by Equis, at Koolunga
- Reeves Plains BESS (1000 MWh) operated by Alinta Energy, at Reeves Plains
These projects will support local communities and First Nations partners. Together, they're expected to create over 1,900 construction jobs. Many will use Australian-made steel and work with local schools, TAFEs and universities to train future workers. Some projects offer monthly energy bill credits to nearby homes and businesses, while others include equity sharing and contracts with First Nations-owned companies.
In total, the projects represent:
- $3.8 billion in local content
- $218.8 million in First Nations benefits
- $36 million in shared community benefits
- $33.6 million in Australian steel.
What's Next
Tender 4 results - focused on new renewable generation will be released in the near future. Future tenders include:
- Tender 7 - NEM Generation (estimated to open September 2025)
- Tender 8 - NEM Dispatchable Capacity (estimated to open November 2025).
More tenders are planned for 2026.
