The New South Wales Government is fast-tracking major battery projects across the state to boost electricity reliability.
Transgrid and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) have been awarded $8.4 million to hire more engineers, speeding up grid connections for four major battery projects, each over 100 megawatts (MW).
These projects can supply around 800,000 households with energy during peak demand, equivalent to 15 per cent of the 2023-24 NSW summer peak demand.
AEMO’s recent report predicts increased reliability risks in NSW from 2024 to 2028, due to retiring coal plants and insufficient renewables.
The large batteries will store renewable energy during sunny and windy periods, supplying electricity to the grid during peak demand. The projects include the Waratah Super Battery (850 MW, 2-hour storage), Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (500 MW, 2-hour storage), Orana Battery Energy Storage System (415 MW, 4-hour storage), and Richmond Valley Battery Energy Storage System (275 MW, 8-hour storage).
This investment could advance the completion dates of these priority battery projects by up to 12 months, reducing current reliability risks.
Transgrid will use a $3.2 million grant to fund extra technical staff on grid connections, reducing the risk of delays. AEMO will receive up to $5.2 million for additional staff to manage the grid connection process.
The NSW Government is also investing $1.8 billion to establish the Energy Security Corporation.
Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, said the government is committed to accelerating replacement electricity infrastructure.
“The funding to AEMO and Transgrid will reduce the risk of connection to the grid being delayed and help to address the reliability risks identified in AEMO’s recent report. These batteries will ensure consumers in NSW have access to affordable and reliable electricity sooner,” Sharpe said.
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