Alinta Energy has announced that it will construct a second battery at Wagerup, with the utility receiving approval to go ahead with the project.
With a 100MW two-hour battery at Wagerup already under construction, the 300MW project is expected to support the introduction of more solar and other intermittent renewable energy sources into Western Australia’s existing network and help maintain system security and stability.
Alinta Energy Head of Project Development, Russell Slaughter, said, “We’re thrilled that this project – our second battery in the Peel region – has been approved.”
Alinta Energy said that the approval allows the utility to develop the 300MW battery energy storage system, transformers, high-voltage cabling, a switch room and control room, internal access roads and ancillary equipment and infrastructure for the project.
“The project aligns with Alinta Energy’s approach to sustainability, which is about delivering lower emissions energy that is also reliable and affordable.
“With the continued increase of intermittent energy sources into the state’s main electricity network, the need for dispatchable energy sources that can react quickly to changes in the electricity market is increasing,” Mr Slaugher said.
“Our second battery will support the introduction of more solar and other intermittent renewable energy sources into the existing network by maintaining system security and stability.”
The project is expected to be completed by October 2027.
Featured image: Attendees at a sod turn event for the first Wagerup battery project in November 2023. Image credit: Alinta Energy.
