Work to begin on Origin's $600 million large-scale battery at Eraring
Origin Energy Limited (Origin) has taken a final investment decision on the first stage of a large-scale battery at the Eraring Power Station, committing to an investment of approximately $600 million.
Eraring is Australia’s largest power station, supplying around a quarter of NSW’s energy needs. It is Origin’s only coal-fired generator.
On 17 February 2022, Origin submitted notice to the Australian Energy Market Operator indicating the potential early retirement of the Eraring coal-fired power station at the end of the required three- and half-year notice period.
Agreements have been executed for the supply and construction of the large-scale battery to help replace the coal fired generator, with works to commence within weeks.
Stage one involves construction of a 460 MW battery storage system with a dispatch duration of two hours, anticipated to come online in the final quarter of the 2025 calendar year. Origin has the option to increase the battery to 700 MW and four hours dispatch duration in the future.
Origin CEO, Frank Calabria said, “Approval of the Eraring battery is an important milestone for Origin and another significant step in our strategy to lead the energy transition and accelerate renewable energy and storage in our portfolio."
Origin’s head of energy supply and operations, Greg Jarvis said, “Eraring is a strategic site with high quality connection infrastructure enabling us to deliver energy into major demand centres. Development of the Eraring battery is a key next step as we look to transform the Eraring site for the future, given our intention to exit coal-fired generation by as early as August 2025."
The Eraring battery project received initial planning approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in May 2022.
Battery equipment will be supplied by Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, which operates globally, while design and construction services will be provided by Enerven, a subsidiary of SA Power Networks.
Origin will continue to assess the market over time, and this will help inform the final timing for closure of all four units at Eraring. Origin will also continue to actively engage with the market operator, NSW Government, and the local community regarding plans for Eraring’s closure.
To access Renew Economy's Big Battery Storage Map of Australia, go to their website here.
