NSW Super Battery project forging ahead as first battery units arrive
The delivery of the units follows the arrival of the first 'super load' transformers in February and the Australian Energy Market Operator's approval of the Generator Performance Standard earlier this month.
The Waratah Super Battery project is one of the largest battery storage initiatives globally and aims to deploy approximately 2,600 units in total. Battery units will serve as the energy storage and release mechanism, providing a crucial "shock absorber" function for the energy system during events such as lightning strikes.
The first shipment of battery units for the project has recently arrived in Australia and is en route from the Port of Newcastle to the former Munmorah Power Station, where the construction of the battery is underway.
The project, a significant component of the NSW Government's Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, continues to hit construction milestones with over 170 workers currently engaged on-site and many essential components already installed. The project is expected to be fully operational by August 2025.
Led by the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo), the project is deemed Critical State Significant Infrastructure. Akaysha Energy is responsible for the construction, which began in May 2023, whilst Transgrid is managing the connection of the Waratah Super Battery to the grid, along with upgrades to the NSW transmission network.
“The Waratah Super Battery will play a key role in helping secure energy supply after the closure of Eraring power station and it’s exciting to see this crucial project taking shape", Transgrid Executive General Manager of Network Marie Jordan said of the project.
“Work is well underway on upgrades across the transmission network and a $30 million System Integrity Protection Scheme which will control the super battery’s activation and ensure it can respond almost instantly to any disruptions in the power system."
