Origin Energy has officially commenced construction of the second stage of its Eraring battery project in New South Wales, which will have a capacity of 240 MW and 1,030 MWh.
The company emphasized the significance of such projects in supporting Australia's energy transition by enhancing the stability of the grid and providing firming capacity for renewable energy sources.
The first stage, with a capacity of 460 MW and 1,073 MWh, is already under construction approximately 40 km southwest of Newcastle, within the Lake Macquarie local government area. This facility is expected to become operational by the end of 2025.
Phase Two is slated to begin construction in early 2025, with the four-hour storage capacity battery anticipated to be operational in the first quarter of 2027.
The additional units will be installed at an estimated cost of AUD 450 million (USD 295.6 million/EUR 272.5 million), utilizing technology provided by Finnish group Wartsila Corp.
The Eraring battery complex is being developed to replace the capacity of the Eraring coal-fired power station, scheduled to close in August 2027. It will be designed to capture excess solar generation during the day.
