The New South Wales Government has approved the planning proposal for Transgrid’s Waratah Super Battery, due to be the largest battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Southern Hemisphere.
Transgrid is connecting the Waratah Super Battery to the grid via its former Munmorah coal-fired power station site, ensuring additional energy is located near the high-growth Lake Macquarie and Central Coast regions.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Network, Marie Jordan, said Transgrid is playing a crucial role in upgrading the electricity network, developing a protection scheme and connecting the super battery to ensure energy security following the anticipated closure of Eraring coal-fired power station.
“We are getting on with the job of delivering this critical infrastructure to ensure a secure, reliable and affordable energy supply to homes and businesses in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong while new renewable energy zones and transmission connections are completed,” Ms Jordan said.
“The New South Wales Government gave a vote of confidence in Transgrid when the Minister formally directed us to carry out the Waratah Super Battery Priority Transmission Infrastructure Project in 2022.
Ms Jordan said Transgrid also plans to develop and operate a $30 million System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) to control the standby network battery’s activation when additional energy is required.
“Transgrid is on track to ensure the super battery, SIPS control and network upgrades are completed by mid-2025 in advance of Eraring’s earliest closure date,” Ms Jordan said.
“We are pleased to partner with EnergyCo, battery service provider, Akaysha Energy, and existing and future generation facilities to deliver this vital project to ensure energy security for New South Wales and help our state become a global leader in the energy transition.”
The Australian Energy Market Operator identified the Waratah Super Battery as a key project to strengthen reliability forecasts in an update to the 2022 Electricity Statement of Opportunities report.
Feature Image: Waratah Super Battery artist impression. Provided by EnergyCo NSW.
