Large, grid scale battery project developers now have the opportunity to register for an industry market forum and to prepare an expression of interest (EOI) for the construction of the 700MW Waratah Super Battery.
Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Waratah Super Battery will be the largest network battery in the Southern Hemisphere and will help to secure the State’s energy future following the closure of the Eraring Power Station.
‘There is currently existing generation across NSW that consumers in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong cannot access because of constraints in the transmission network,’ Mr Kean said.
‘Currently, power lines must operate well below their capacity so they can handle any sudden shocks, like a power surge from a bushfire or lighting strike.
The network battery acts as a ‘shock absorber’ – it absorbs the power surge. This means that the extra transmission capacity is freed up to transport more electricity from existing generators (like Snowy Hydro).
‘The Waratah Super Battery will allow for more electricity to flow through the network, unlocking this excess capacity and supplying the families and businesses of New South Wales a reliable and stable energy supply,’ Mr Kean said.
The NSW Government is seeking innovative solutions and site options from the market to deliver the Waratah Super Battery via a competitive procurement process.
The Government will also consider proposals on any suitable site, including proposals to build the battery on NSW Government-owned land, such as the former power station site at Lake Munmorah next door to the Colongra Power Station.
