The New South Wales Government has approved the development of a $1 billion large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) adjacent the Mount Piper power station near Lithgow to help boost the State’s renewable energy network.
The Mount Piper BESS will be one of the largest of its kind in Australia. It will store excess energy from the electricity grid during non-peak times and ramp up to quickly dispatch power to households during the busy morning and evening times.
The BESS will have a storage capacity of up to 500MW / 2,000MWh – enough to power more than 200,000 homes when needed – and it will utilise EnergyAustralia’s existing electricity infrastructure near Lithgow.
The Mount Piper BESS is expected to create 177 jobs during its construction. In addition, project developer EnergyAustralia will be investing $2 million in the Lithgow City LGA through a Voluntary Planning Agreement.
“With a $1 billion price tag, this battery is among the biggest in Australia.
“It stands ready to inject major capital investment, create jobs and provide Lithgow Council with $2 million to invest in local community projects.
“Large-scale batteries are crucial for our state’s energy future. They help store renewable energy, making sure that we have a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
“This project not only supports our transition to cleaner energy but it also strengthens our energy security and resilience. Investing in these batteries means a more sustainable and dependable energy system for everyone,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
The new BESS will add to New South Wales’ growing network of large-scale batteries that will support the energy transition as coal-fired power retires.
Large-scale batteries, such as the Mount Piper BESS, are playing an increasingly important role in supporting renewable energy generation as they steadily improve the strength and reliability of the energy network.
Under the current State Government, 30 renewable energy projects have been approved, including 14 large-scale batteries.
Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; EnergyAustralia (1, 2); PV Magazine Australia