NSW’s Largest Battery Valued at $1 Billion To Be Built at Tomago

23 November 2024

The Minns Government has approved a monumental $1 billion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Newcastle, set to play a key role in securing the city’s power supply during peak demand periods.

With a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) and 2,000 megawatt-hours (MWh), the Tomago BESS will be one of the largest batteries in New South Wales. It’s designed to power approximately 200,000 homes during times of high electricity demand.

Located at Tomago project will store energy from the grid during off-peak periods. This stored energy can then be rapidly deployed to meet fluctuating electricity demands, enhancing the reliability of the energy supply within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, highlighted the significance of the investment for the region.

“With a $1 billion price tag, this battery is one of the biggest in NSW and injects a major capital investment within the Port Stephens and Lower Hunter areas,” Mr Scully said. “Large-scale batteries are crucial for our energy future. They help store renewable energy, making sure we have a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

“This not only supports our transition to cleaner energy but also strengthens our energy security and resilience. Investing in these batteries means a more sustainable and dependable energy system for everyone.”

The construction of the BESS is expected to generate 200 jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Once operational, the facility will offer six ongoing positions. Developer AGL has also committed approximately $2.2 million to Port Stephens Council for community improvement projects through a Voluntary Planning Agreement.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, emphasised the project’s impact on local employment and investment.

“The $1 billion project injects a major capital investment within the Upper Hunter region, bringing a major boost to local jobs,” Ms Catley said.

The Tomago battery adds to the state’s growing network of 57 large-scale batteries approved to support the transition to renewable energy as coal-fired power stations retire. These batteries play an increasingly important role by providing firming capacity to support renewable generation while improving the strength and reliability of the network.

Under the Minns Government, 30 renewable projects have been approved, including 14 large-scale batteries, marking a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

For more information, visit the NSW Government’s energy infrastructure website.