Leading global renewables player RWE has today announced its investment decision to build Australia’s first eight-hour battery near Balranald, in New South Wales (NSW). RWE’s 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 50+ megawatts (MW) and 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 249 MWac Limondale Solar Farm – which is one of Australia’s largest. The BESS 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.
Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: “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. 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.”
RWE in Australia
Australia is one of RWE’s focus markets, where it has been present since 2013. In 2018, the company began construction of the Limondale solar farm in Balranald, New South Wales. With an installed capacity of 249 MWac the large-scale solar farm is made up of 872,000 panels and generates enough electricity to power about 105,000 homes per year.
Full commercial operation started in 2021. RWE’s Australian team of more than 70 is currently developing a portfolio of wind, solar, and battery storage projects across the country, supported by the global RWE team. RWE intends to develop up to 3 gigawatts of renewable energy projects in Australia by 2030.
RWE invests in battery storage worldwide
As a driver of the energy transition, RWE develops, builds and operates battery storage systems in Europe, the United States and Australia. Currently, the company operates battery storage systems with an overall capacity of more than 700 MW and 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage projects under construction worldwide. The company recently commissioned three U.S. battery storage projects totalling 190 MW. As an integral part of its Growing Green strategy, RWE plans to expand its battery storage capacity to 6 GW worldwide by 2030.
