Synergy’s $1.6 billion Collie BESS (battery energy storage system) has reached a key milestone, with the first battery units now installed.
The Collie BESS is schedule to be connected to the grid in 2025, and once complete will provide 500MW of power and 2000MW/h of storage.
That means the battery will be able to power 785,000 average homes for four hours – making it one of Australia’s biggest battery systems.
The first 80 units are now in place, with the entire system to include 640 units when complete.
The Western Australian Government said that construction on the battery system is creating around 500 jobs in Collie – providing a major economic boost.
The Collie BESS will join Synergy’s existing battery systems in Kwinana, soaking up excess solar and wind energy during the day to provide system stability and support continued uptake of renewables in the SWIS (South West Interconnected System).
The Western Australian Government has invested $5.4 billion in the energy transition to date, as part of its plan to provide clean, affordable and reliable energy for the state’s future, through new generation, storage and transmission infrastructure.
Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, said that the Collie BESS will be one of the biggest in Australia, and means that the State Government can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy for Western Australia for decades to come.
“Importantly, this big battery keeps Collie at the heart of our energy system, supporting local jobs and ensuring a strong future for the town,” Mr Cook said.
Western Australia Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, said, “We know large-scale storage is important in our state because it supports household investment in rooftop solar and will allow us to continue our phased and sensible plan to transition out of coal by 2030.
“By installing these containerised battery systems in Collie, Synergy is one step closer to securing a cleaner energy mix that can provide power to the system when it’s most needed.”
Collie-Preston MLA, Jodie Hanns, said that Collie has played an important role in the electricity system of Western Australia over the past century.
“The installation of the Collie battery is the next chapter in Collie’s energy story – which means the town will continue to play an important role in the energy needs of the state,” Ms Hanns said.
“It’s great to see this project also generating work for local businesses, employees and contractors.”
Featured image: An artist’s impression of the Collie BESS. Image: Synergy.
