German developer RWE has announced its investment decision to build Australia’s first eight-hour battery near Balranald, in New South Wales, next to an existing solar farm.
RWE’s 50MW Limondale eight-hour lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was the only successful project in New South Wales’ first Long Duration Storage Long-Term Energy Service Agreements tender process, and was awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement.
With a planned capacity of more than 50MW and over 400 megawatt hours (MWh), the Limondale BESS will support the energy transition by storing excess renewable energy and feeding it into the NSW grid when it is needed most.
The project will be located next to RWE’s 249MWac Limondale solar farm (pictured). The battery will connect to existing grid infrastructure.
Tesla has been selected as the BESS supplier, and Beon Energy Solutions as the delivery partner for the Balance of Plant, which includes the civil, structural, electrical and control works required to connect the Megapack to the existing 33kV substation.
Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of this year, with commissioning planned for late 2025.
“RWE’s investment decision and signing of supplier contracts for the Limondale BESS project is an exciting step forward in our commitment to the Australian renewables sector and support of New South Wales’ renewable energy ambitions,” said RWE Renewables Europe & Australia chief executive Katja Wünschel.
“As a battery storage pioneer, RWE develops, builds and operates innovative and competitive battery storage systems in Europe and the US, and soon here in Australia.
“We look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to help realise the country’s renewable energy goals.”