The first Liddell Battery units have been installed at AGL’s Hunter Energy Hub, marking a key milestone for the project that is set to transform the utility’s coal-fired power stations into an integrated energy hub.
The Liddell Battery is a 500MW, two-hour duration, grid scale battery being constructed at the former Liddell Power Station site.
AGL Site Manager, John Moore, said the first battery cubes have been successfully lifted into position.
“Although there are 1548 batteries to install weighing 8250kg each, the milestone was celebrated by everyone on site. It’s such an honour to be involved in the change here at AGL.”
Construction work for the battery commenced in June 2024 and it is expected to become operational in early 2026, joining AGL’s existing 250MW Torrens Island Battery and 50MW Broken Hill Battery in providing essential storage and firming capacity to the electricity network.
The total construction cost of the project estimated to be approximately $750 million.
Transgrid will construct and operate a 330/33kV battery substation, approximately 450m of 330kV overhead transmission line and an extension to the existing 330kV switch yard.
The Liddell Battery is the first new development to be built as part of AGL’s Hunter Energy Hub, after Liddell Power Station was safely and respectfully retired in April 2023.
The hub will repurpose existing assets and infrastructure, such as the Liddell and Bayswater Power Station sites, as well as water, transport links and grid connectivity.
It is set across 10,000ha in the regional Hunter Valley, offering access to electricity supply, water infrastructure, highways, rail and an international port that provides significant opportunities for new business and industry.
AGL said the hub aims to create opportunities for the local community and bring together co-located industries that can make a positive contribution to the energy transition – from green advanced manufacturing and waste recycling to grid-scale batteries and energy generation.
Projects at the Hunter Energy Hub are expected to support grid stability, emissions reductions goals and energy supply for New South Wales, creating plenty of opportunity for new co-located industries focused on the future.
