South Australia has awarded contracts to six large-scale battery energy storage (BESS) projects under its Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism (FERM). This move is set to more than double the state’s grid-scale battery storage capacity and strengthen energy system reliability.
The successful projects will deliver a combined 517 megawatts (MW) and 4136 megawatt-hours (MWh) of dispatchable storage capacity, increasing South Australia’s large-scale battery fleet from 1.1 GW to 2.5 GW. Once operational, the batteries will be capable of supplying enough electricity to power more than 300,000 average households for up to eight hours.
The successful BESS projects are:
- Brinkworth BESS – Akaysha Energy – 250 MW / 1000 MWh
- Dartmoor BESS – ZEBRE Pty Ltd – 144 MW / 576 MWh
- Goyder Battery Stage 1 – Neoen Australia – 200 MW / 800 MWh
- Goyder Battery Stage 2 – Neoen Australia – 200 MW / 800 MWh
- Northern Battery – AMPYR Australia – 270 MW / 1080 MWh
- Tungkillo BESS – Iberdrola Australia – 270 MW / 1080 MWh
The projects were selected through a competitive tender process designed to secure long-duration storage and ensure the state maintains access to eight hours of continuous dispatchable energy during periods of unexpected system stress or supply shortfalls.
According to the South Australian Government, the contracted capacity is equivalent to almost three-quarters of the state’s record peak electricity demand. The combined projects will also provide more than four times the storage capacity of the expanded Hornsdale Power Reserve, widely recognised as Australia’s first grid-scale battery.
The FERM (Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism Agreements) scheme is intended to encourage private investment in long-duration firming infrastructure by providing revenue certainty to project developers. Through FERMAs, eligible projects receive contracted support that reduces reliance on occasional high-price market events to underpin project economics.
The new storage assets are expected to play a critical role as South Australia continues its transition towards higher levels of renewable energy generation. By providing firm, dispatchable capacity, the batteries will help maintain system reliability while supporting greater integration of wind and solar resources.
Delivery of the projects will occur in stages. The first tranche, comprising 375 MW and 3000 MWh of storage, is scheduled to be available by November 2028. A further 142 MW and 1136 MWh is expected to come online by November 2029.
The tender process was independently administered by ASL, the scheme administrator appointed by the South Australian Government. The outcome represents the first round of FERM procurement and marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to build a more resilient and reliable renewable energy system.
