Origin Energy has begun construction on the second phase of its Eraring battery project. This facility will become one of the largest battery installations in Australia, aiming to replace the country’s biggest coal generator located at the same site.
The first phase of the Eraring battery is a 460 MW system with a capacity of 1,073 MWh. This phase is currently under construction and is expected to be operational by late 2025, shortly after the coal generator is scheduled to close.
The second phase will feature a 240 MW capacity and 1,030 MWh of storage. Although it has a smaller connection point, it offers longer storage duration. This phase is anticipated to be operational by early 2027, coinciding with the planned closure of the coal generator. However, there is a possibility that the coal generator could remain operational beyond this date due to an extension deal backed by the state government.
Frank Calabria, CEO of Origin Energy, emphasized the importance of this development. “Today marks another significant step in transforming the Eraring site. It will enhance the reliability and security of energy supply in this region and support the growth of variable renewable energy in the grid,” he stated.
Calabria noted that large-scale batteries, like the one being developed at Eraring, are vital for the energy transition. These batteries can charge when renewable energy is plentiful and discharge during peak demand, such as in the evenings. “This is just one way Origin is pursuing its ambition to lead the energy transition,” he added.
The $1 billion project will provide more than 2 gigawatt hours of combined storage upon completion, making it one of the largest battery facilities in Australia.
Battery storage has rapidly expanded in size, growing from approximately 150 MWh at the first Tesla big battery in Hornsdale to 450 MWh at the Victoria Big Battery and 1,650 MWh at the soon-to-be-commissioned Waratah Super Battery, located near the former Munmorah coal-fired power station, close to Eraring.
In addition, the largest battery project in Australia, the 2,240 MWh Collie battery, is under construction near another closed coal-fired power station in Western Australia. This week, it launched the first phase, which has an 867 MWh capacity.
Numerous large battery projects are either operating, under construction, or planned at the sites of coal-fired power stations, including Hazelwood, Loy Yang, Liddell, Bayswater, Mt Piper, Stanwell, Tarong, Kogan Creek, and Callide.
Several other battery projects of similar scale are underway or set to begin. However, a 2,200 MWh eight-hour battery in northern New South Wales is expected to surpass them in size and is likely to be completed around the same time.
Local member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, expressed the significance of the Eraring power station, noting its role in providing jobs and supporting the local economy. “The power station, with its connection to the power grid, is ideally positioned to be part of the state’s energy future. I’m eager to see this continue and for the local economy to benefit even after coal generation ends,” he said. “Today’s announcement is another step on that journey.”
The battery equipment will be supplied by Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, which is believed to be its largest battery contract globally. Wärtsilä also supplied AGL’s 250 MW, 250 MWh Torrens Island battery in South Australia.
Enerven, a subsidiary of SA Power Networks, will deliver the balance of plant, while Lumea, the commercial arm of Transgrid, will complete the dedicated high-voltage substation works.
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