Waratah Super Battery reaches full operation at Munmorah

newy.com.au – The Waratah Super Battery has reached full operation at the former Munmorah coal-fired power station on the Central Coast, adding protection to the electricity grid supplying the Hunter as NSW’s ageing coal plants retire.

The NSW government said on Monday the Australian Energy Market Operator had approved the battery to operate at its full capacity of 850 megawatts. It has 1,680 megawatt hours of storage, equivalent to roughly two hours at maximum output.

The battery is designed to help keep the wider grid secure when power lines are disrupted by bushfires, fallen trees or lightning strikes. Working with a control system and existing transmission lines, it can respond to network problems while allowing more renewable electricity to flow through the grid.

The government estimates the battery could power up to 340,000 NSW households at peak demand. Its role, however, extends beyond storing electricity for later use: it is intended to act as a safeguard for the network as the state’s mix of electricity generation changes.

Transgrid chief executive Brett Redman said the project provided additional protection as coal plants retired and new transmission infrastructure was built to connect renewable energy to major areas of demand, including the Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra.

He said the network’s control system detected problems and responded in real time to help maintain electricity supplies.

Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the battery would support the transition away from ageing coal-fired generation.

“As ageing coal-fired power stations retire, this project will help keep the lights on for homes and businesses while enabling more renewable energy to flow through the grid.”

The project was commissioned by the NSW government’s EnergyCo and built by Akaysha Energy. About 1,000 people were involved in its design and construction, including 170 workers at the Munmorah site, according to the government.

The development puts the former coal station site to a new use supporting the electricity network, rather than generating power.

Akaysha chief executive Nick Carter said the battery had reached final commercial operations. Transgrid, which upgraded the existing network for the project, will serve as network operator and oversee the battery’s ongoing performance.