Integrated energy firm Origin has issued an expression of interest (EoI) to companies to supply and install a 700MW battery to replace its coal-fired plant in New South Wales, Australia.
If built, the country’s largest battery energy storage system (ESS) would support Origin’s transition away from coal-fired generation by 2032, while complementing the policy objectives of the state’s energy roadmap.
The system would be connected to the national grid via the Eraring Power station.
Origin were unable to tell BEST when the EoI would end, which battery chemistry it was focusing on or when it plans to build the plant.
Greg Jarvis, Origin executive general manager, energy supply and operations, said: “We recognise we have an important role to play in positioning our electricity generation portfolio to support Australia’s rapid transition to renewables.
“A large-scale battery at Eraring will help us better support renewable energy and maintain reliable supply for customers, by having long duration storage ready to dispatch into the grid at times when renewable sources are not available.
Following selection of a preferred supplier, achievement of the required permitting, and establishment of the network connection, as well as Origin Board approval, the operational capacity of the battery is expected to be deployed over three phases, with the first phase expected to be reached by late 2022.
The plans are among a plethora of large-scale ESSs being planned or built in the country.
French firm Neoen partnered with Tesla to build South Australia’s 150MW battery, which remains the world’s largest lithium-ion battery ESS.
Last November, Neoen was awarded a 250MW grid services contract by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The services will be provided by Neoen’s future 300MW Victorian Big Battery.
The battery storage facility will be located next to Moorabool Terminal Station in Geelong, Victoria. It will be delivered in collaboration with Tesla, using its Megapack technology, and network partner AusNet Services.
Neoen is also proposing to install a 500MW/1,000MWh battery storage facility in New South Wales after filing a scoping study with the state’s planning authorities for the ‘Great Western Battery’.
