The government said the big battery project will be capable of responding rapidly to network constraints and will be able to store enough renewable energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods. The Williamsdale battery will be developed, built and operated by Macquarie Group offshoot Eku Energy.
Render of Big Canberra Battery. Image: Eku Energy. The ACT government has selected Macquarie Group’s newly formed global battery group Eku Energy to build one of the largest big batteries in the country in the national capital, and featuring an innovative although secretive financing deal.
The way has been cleared for construction to begin on a 250 MW / 500 MWh battery energy storage system that will help “future proof” the Australian Capital Territory’s energy supply by reducing the load on Canberra’s electricity network and increasing network reliability.
The Big Canberra Battery is one of three big batteries that are either operating, under construction or about to be built in the ACT. The 10MW/20MWh Queenbeyan battery owned by GPG is already operating, while the 100MW/200MWh Capital battery owned by Neoen (pictured above) is nearing completion.
When you live and work in Canberra, you leave a smaller carbon footprint. Canberra is a progressive, forward-thinking city. We’re leading the nation on climate action, delivering on our commitment to net-zero and renewable energy. We’re the first city in mainland Australia to have achieved a 100% renewable energy supply.
Among its Australian projects are the 150 MW / 150 MWh Hazelwood battery that was developed in conjunction with French energy giant Engie, and the 200 MW / 400 MWh Rangebank battery being constructed in collaboration with international energy major Shell. Both are in Victoria. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused.