AUSTRALIA URGENTLY NEEDS LONG DURATION ENERGY STORAGE
Australia Southern Energy Storage Project
Renewables developer X-Elio is seeking Australian government approval for a four-hour battery energy storage system to be built in southern New South Wales after scrapping plans to build a 72 MW solar farm at the site. [pdf]FAQS about Australia Southern Energy Storage Project
How does South Australia support energy storage projects?
The battery delivers power to the National Electricity Market, providing system security services. The Government of South Australia supports energy storage projects through programs and funding. The $50 million Grid Scale Storage Fund and South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant are key components of the South Australian government’s energy policy.
When will a battery energy storage system start in South Australia?
The 250MW/500MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), supplied by Trina Storage, is scheduled to commence commercial operations in February 2027. Once operation, it will be one of the largest energy storage projects in South Australia, marking a significant milestone in the region’s renewable energy transition.
What are the key components of South Australia's energy policy?
The $50 million Grid Scale Storage Fund and South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant are key components of the South Australian government’s energy policy. Existing Energy Storage Projects: Learn more about energy storage on the Clean Energy Council website.
What are the different types of energy storage?
There are a range of methods and technologies to store energy. This can include batteries, flywheels, compressed air, thermal and pumped hydro. Coupling energy storage with renewable energy provides stability services and emergency back-up power if a shortfall in energy is predicted.
Large-scale energy storage in Australia
Australia’s current storage capacity is 3GW, this is inclusive of batteries, VPPs and pumped hydro. Current forecasts by AEMO show Australia will need at least 22GW by 2030 – a more than 700 per cent increase in capacity in the next six years. [pdf]