The New South Wales Government has approved EnergyAustralia‘s Mt Piper Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a large-scale battery valued over $1 billion.
The new battery, to be located at Mt Piper Power Station near Lithgow, will play a key role in keeping the lights on during peak demand periods.
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The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is among the biggest in Australia and will store excess energy from the electricity grid during non-peak periods. The battery will then ramp up quickly when households need power, during the busy morning and evening times.
The $1 billion Mt Piper BESS will utilise EnergyAustralia’s existing electricity infrastructure near Lithgow and will store up to 500MW/2,000MWh to power over 200,000 homes when needed.
The Mt Piper battery adds to the state’s growing network of large-scale batteries to support the energy transition as coal-fired power retires.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said, “With a $1 billion price tag, this battery is among the biggest in Australia.
“It stands ready to inject major capital investment, create jobs and provide Lithgow Council with $2 million to invest in local community projects.
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“Large-scale batteries are crucial for our state’s energy future. They help store renewable energy, making sure that we have a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
“This project not only supports our transition to cleaner energy but it also strengthens our energy security and resilience. Investing in these batteries means a more sustainable and dependable energy system for everyone.”
