A team of specialists at Transgrid have delivered an Australian-first control system for the New South Wales Government’s Waratah Super Battery Project.
The $16 million System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) Control System with paired generation has become operational following the first stage of commissioning for the project.
Transgrid said that this new solution is the largest and most innovative monitoring and control system of its kind in Australia, and will fittingly support one of the world’s largest grid-scale batteries, improving energy reliability and security for consumers.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Delivery, Jennifer Hughes, explained that the SIPS Control System is the largest automated scheme of its kind in Australia, monitoring 36 transmission lines across New South Wales in real time, detecting overloading and responding in seconds.
“In network contingency events such as lightning strikes, the SIPS acts as a shock absorber to return the network to a stable condition and maintain continuity of supply for consumers,” she said.
“It’s like an insurance policy for New South Wales and the whole system is triggered automatically, making it fast and reliable in responding to a system event or fault.”
The scheme, which was designed and installed by Transgrid specialist teams at 19 sites across New South Wales, helps transfer more power through existing transmission lines by temporarily increasing their capacity.
It can automatically detect potential line overloads and signals the Waratah Super Battery to discharge stored energy into the network. Simultaneously, the SIPS will signal hydro, wind and solar-paired generators in the New England and Snowy regions to reduce output to balance supply across the grid.
“The SIPS Control System represents a true feat in detailed design and innovation to provide real benefits to consumers,” Ms Hughes said.
“Transgrid is pleased to be working with EnergyCo and Akaysha Energy to deliver the Waratah Super Battery Project.”
The battery storage system that gives the Waratah Super Battery Project its name is situated at the former Munmorah Power Station site. The first 350MW (700MW) of the project’s battery capacity have come online in the lead-up to full operation later in 2025.
At 850MW/1680MWh, it is one of the world’s most powerful grid-scale batteries, allowing electricity consumers in the Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra to access more energy from existing transmission infrastructure in the state.
As Network Operator, Transgrid has connected the Waratah Super Battery to the grid via its existing Munmorah substation.
To support the project, Transgrid has also carried out upgrades to 22 substations and four existing transmission lines across New South Wales to deliver additional energy to consumers when required.
