Waratah Super Battery Joins the National Electricity Market

The Waratah Super Battery has officially been registered on the National Electricity Market (NEM), marking a major milestone as it prepares to energise New South Wales’ energy grid. This registration follows the successful energisation of the new Waratah Substation, connecting the 850 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) to the grid.

The Waratah project is edging closer to full operation, with further testing and commissioning expected to take place ahead of its anticipated activation next year. Akaysha Energy, alongside delivery partners Consolidated Power Projects, Transgrid, Powin, and eks Energy, has been overseeing the construction and integration, guided by EnergyCo’s planning and supervision.

The final battery units for the BESS arrived at the Munmorah site earlier this year, with installations now in progress as the system undergoes rigorous testing. The battery units first began arriving in April 2024, setting the stage for the next phases of development.

This project is seen as essential to maintaining energy security in NSW, especially as the State’s coal-fired power stations gradually phase out. Designed to stabilise the grid in the event of sudden power surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes, the Waratah Super Battery acts as a buffer, helping to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Beyond the battery itself, the project also involves upgrades to the State’s transmission network, paired generation services, and the creation of a comprehensive control system to oversee grid management.

Lulu Shao, Director of Power Systems at EnergyCo, highlighted the importance of this development, stating: “This is a huge step forward for the Waratah Super Battery project and for our State’s transition to a secure and reliable grid powered by renewables and storage.”

Shao also commended the collaboration between Akaysha Energy, Transgrid, and their delivery partners, stating that registering the largest single dispatchable unit on the NEM is a significant achievement. “We look forward to seeing further progress as the Waratah Super Battery undergoes more testing in the lead-up to its big debut next year,” Shao added.

Nick Finch, Chief Engineer at Akaysha Energy, also remarked on the significance of the milestone, saying: “Completion of Waratah’s connection process and registration of the NEM’s largest single DUID at 850MW has taken an incredible amount of collaboration. This milestone is a testament to teamwork and signals the evolving connection landscape in the NEM.”

As one of the world’s largest battery energy storage systems, the Waratah Super Battery is set to play a critical role in stabilising NSW’s grid as the State continues its transition from coal-fired power. With further testing and commissioning ahead, the project is set to make a significant impact on the future of renewable energy in Australia.