Origin Energy has announced a significant expansion of its Eraring battery storage project at Eraring Power Station, approving a $450 million investment for the second stage of development.
This move is part of the company’s strategy to accelerate renewable energy and storage integration into its portfolio.
The newly approved second stage will add a 240 megawatts (MW)/1030 megawatt-hour (MWh) four-hour duration grid-forming battery to the site.
This complements the first stage, currently under construction, which features a 460MW/1073MWh two-hour duration battery expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Once completed, the combined energy storage capacity of both stages will exceed 2GWh, enhancing grid stability and supporting increased integration of variable renewable energy sources.
Greg Jarvis, Origin’s head of energy supply and operations, emphasised the importance of this investment.
“We are pleased to have approved Origin’s third investment in a large-scale battery at one of our existing power stations, which reflects our belief that storage will play an important role in the changing grid by helping to firm up variable supply from wind and solar,” he said.
“Eraring is a strategic site with high quality connection infrastructure. Confirmation of the second stage of the Eraring battery development is a key next step as we look to transform the site for the future so it can continue to support the energy transition.”
The second stage battery’s longer duration will allow it to absorb excess solar generation during daytime hours and provide reliable energy supply during peak evening demand. Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with the project expected to come online in the first quarter of 2027.
Finnish technology group Wärtsilä will supply the battery equipment for the second stage, while Enerven Energy Infrastructure will provide design and construction services.
This expansion is part of Origin’s broader commitment to large-scale battery projects, with the company now invested in over 1.5GW of battery capacity across its owned projects and tolling agreements.
The Eraring site, currently Australia’s largest power station supplying up to a quarter of New South Wales’ electricity, is scheduled for closure in August 2027.
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