Origin Energy Advances 700-MWh Battery Project in NSW

• Origin Energy's Eraring battery project expands to 2,800 MWh, transforming energy storage and paving the way for a sustainable future, powering 150,000 homes in New South Wales!

Origin Energy Ltd has greenlit the third stage of its large-scale battery project at the Eraring coal-fired power station in New South Wales, which will add 700 MWh to the existing capacity. This expansion will enhance the facility's storage capability to a total of 2,800 MWh, establishing it as the largest energy storage system in the Southern Hemisphere. The project aims to replace the thermal capacity of the Eraring station, scheduled to close in August 2027, and provide dispatch power for over 150,000 local households.

Phase One of the Eraring battery, rated at 460 MW/1,070 MWh, is currently under construction and expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The second stage, with a capacity of 240 MW/1,030 MWh, is also underway and set to commence in early 2027. Technology for the project is supplied by Finland's Wartsila Corp, while Enerven oversees design and construction. The completed facility will store excess solar energy generated during the day, transitioning the region towards renewable energy sources.

How will Origin Energy's Eraring battery expansion transform local energy storage and usage?

Origin Energy's expansion of the Eraring battery project signifies a transformative shift in how energy is stored and utilized in the local area and beyond. Here are key points outlining the anticipated impact of this development:

• Enhanced Energy Storage Capacity: With the addition of 700 MWh, Eraring's total capacity will reach 2,800 MWh, making it a cornerstone of energy reliability in the region and beyond.
• Renewable Energy Integration: The expanded battery capacity will facilitate the integration of more renewable energy sources, particularly solar, helping to balance supply and demand, especially during peak usage times.
• Grid Stability and Reliability: By providing a robust storage solution, the battery system will enhance grid stability, allowing for smoother transitions during times of high demand or when renewable generation is low.
• Support for Local Households: The ability to dispatch power to over 150,000 households means that residents will benefit from a more consistent and reliable energy supply, reducing the risk of blackouts or energy shortages.
• Transition from Coal Dependency: The project is a significant step in transitioning away from coal-fired generation as Eraring is set to close in 2027. The battery expansion will help compensate for the lost thermal capacity, maintaining local employment levels in the energy sector.
• Encouragement of Local Economic Growth: The construction and operation of the expanded battery facility are likely to create job opportunities in the region, from construction to ongoing maintenance, fostering local economic growth.
• Environmental Impact: By enabling greater use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the Eraring battery expansion aligns with broader environmental goals, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Technological Innovation: With technology supplied by Wartsila Corp, this project will utilize cutting-edge solutions that could serve as a model for future energy storage systems across Australia and internationally.
• Investment in Energy Infrastructure: The substantial investment in battery technology underlines the importance of modernizing energy infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electricity in a sustainable manner.
• Worker Retraining Initiatives: As the region transitions from coal to renewable energy sources, there may be targeted retraining programs to help coal workers acquire new skills suited for the renewable sector.
• Potential for Future Expansion: The successful implementation of this stage may open avenues for additional expansions or similar projects, signaling a long-term commitment to sustainable energy practices.

By significantly increasing the energy storage capacity at Eraring, Origin Energy is positioning the facility as a key player in the future of energy in Australia, aptly demonstrating a shift towards a more sustainable, resilient, and reliable energy landscape.