Australia's Atmos Renewables and Nomad Energy have achieved a significant milestone with the granting of regional development approval for their 100-MW/400/MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Western Australia's Merredin Shire.
The approval, issued by the Shire of Merredin's Regional Development Assessment Panel, marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of renewable energy infrastructure in the region, as highlighted in Nomad Energy's announcement on LinkedIn.
The AUD 220 million (USD 141.5 million / EUR 132.7 million) project entails the construction of a robust battery system directly connected to the South West Interconnector system. Positioned on a sprawling 61.5-hectare (152-acre) site near Western Power's Merredin terminal substation in the Australian Wheatbelt region, the facility will comprise between 110 and 120 containerized units. Anticipated installation works are slated to span between 12 and 18 months.
According to reports from The West Australian Daily, Atmos and Nomad Energy are actively seeking engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, with plans to commence works before the conclusion of 2024. The battery system is expected to commence operations in early 2026, contributing to the region's energy security and resilience.
The Merredin BESS project represents just one facet of a broader collaboration between Atmos and Nomad Energy, aimed at delivering a substantial 1-GW portfolio of renewable energy projects in Western Australia. Spearheaded by Nomad Energy and encompassing wind, solar-plus-storage, and standalone battery storage capacity, these projects are poised to come online by the end of the decade, further solidifying Western Australia's position as a frontrunner in the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
