A privately funded program worth more than $65 million will see batteries built at eight sites across Greater Western Sydney, delivered by Ausconnex as part of the Endeavour Energy Group.
The Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage joined Karen McKeown, Member for Penrith, to turn the first sod at the Penrith Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)—the first site to start construction.
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The Penrith medium-voltage BESS is the first project in the portfolio to enter construction. It will provide just under 5MW of power and 17MWh of storage.
The eight BESS will be built at Penrith, South Marsden Park, Seven Hills, Emu Plains, Maldon, North Leppington, Cawdor, and Cranebrook.
Together, the eight batteries will provide about 40MW of power and 136MWh of storage, enough energy to power 40,000 homes for up to three hours.
Minister Sharpe said the program would help drive Western Sydney’s energy growth, and accelerate the state’s transition to a more reliable, renewable energy system.
“Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most dynamic regions, and we’re building the energy infrastructure now to make sure homes and businesses have access to reliable and affordable renewable energy. Battery storage is already playing a critical role in keeping the lights on when demand is high, and these new projects will help strengthen the energy system as Western Sydney continues to grow,” Minister Sharpe said.
“This investment shows real confidence in Western Sydney’s future and will help support the region’s growth for decades to come.”
NSW now has more than one million rooftop solar systems. Batteries store that energy while the sun is up and release it during periods of high demand, when homes and businesses need it the most.
Endeavour Energy Group CEO Danny Cooper said battery energy storage would play an increasingly important role in supporting growing energy demand.
“The batteries are being delivered in some of the fastest-growing communities in Australia, where population growth, new housing and increasing electrification are driving demand,” he said.
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“Battery energy storage systems will make better use of renewable energy, provide greater flexibility across the energy system and support the region’s growth for decades to come.”
All sites are expected to be completed by 2029, subject to planning approvals.
