Australia energy storage construction

Are Australia's large-scale battery energy storage projects attracting federal support?

The volume of large-scale battery energy storage projects under construction in Australia passed that of solar and wind projects combined in 2023 and the trend has intensified this year, with batteries attracting federal support. As coal-fired power plants are shuttered, developers and suppliers are enjoying a battery bonanza.

Where is Australia's fifth largest battery energy storage system located?

Construction of the fifth largest battery energy storage system in Australia has begun, located six kilometres from Port Pirie, South Australia, owned by Canadian-headquartered renewables developer Amp Energy.

Does New South Wales have a battery energy storage system?

With Queensland adding 300 MW of new capacity in 2024, New South Wales now lags behind these three states. Tasmania, the final region in the NEM, currently has no grid-scale battery energy storage capacity. When Hornsdale Power Reserve opened in 2017, it was the biggest battery energy storage system in the world.

What is a battery energy storage project?

This has been defined as battery energy storage projects that have traded 75% or more of their capacity in the energy or FCAS markets. In the three years following the construction of Hornsdale Power Reserve, grid-scale battery capacity in the NEM only increased by 160 MW. However, starting in 2021, deployment has accelerated.

Why are energy companies investing in battery infrastructure?

Like governments, energy companies are also investing in battery infrastructure, to help strengthen Australia’s energy grid. Earlier this year, Synergy began construction on Australia’s second-largest battery project to date, the 500MW Collie Battery Energy Storage System (CBESS) in Western Australia [ii].

How much battery energy storage capacity is being built?

The volume of battery energy storage capacity connecting to the grid, being constructed, and reaching final investment decision confirms that thesis. Business intelligence company Rystad Energy has said that almost 4 GW of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) entered construction in the first nine months of 2024.