NSW Accelerates Grid-Connection for 2 GW Batteries

• NSW government grants $8.4 million to fast-track battery energy storage projects, including the massive Waratah Super Battery, ensuring completion by 2025-2026.

The New South Wales government has allocated AUD 8.4 million in grants to accelerate the grid connection of four priority battery energy storage projects, including the 850-MW/1,680-MWh Waratah Super Battery and the 415-MW/1,660-MWh Orana battery. This investment aims to bring forward the completion dates of these projects by up to 12 months.

Transgrid and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) will receive funding to hire additional engineers to manage the grid connections and ensure the projects go online by 2025-2026. The government's decision to fund the accelerated grid connection is in response to potential delays and reliability risks identified in a recent AEMO report for 2024-2028.

How will NSW government's grants accelerate grid connection for battery energy storage projects?

• The grants will help cover the costs of hiring additional engineers to manage the grid connections for the battery energy storage projects.
  
• By bringing forward the completion dates of these projects by up to 12 months, the grants will help ensure a more timely integration of renewable energy into the grid.
  
• The funding will help address potential delays and reliability risks identified in a recent AEMO report for 2024-2028, ultimately improving grid stability and security.
• Accelerating the grid connection of these priority projects will contribute to the state's energy transition goals and support the growth of renewable energy in New South Wales.
• The investment in grid connection for battery energy storage projects will help enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the state's energy system.