A key construction milestone has been reached at the Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), with the arrival of two 330/33kV transformers after a nine-hour voyage from Port of Newcastle to Muswellbrook.
Lumea is providing end-to-end support on the project for AGL, including the design, delivery, and commissioning of the grid connection infrastructure required to bring the battery online.
Related article: First Liddell Battery units in place at AGL’s Hunter Energy Hub
Lumea executive general manager Craig Stallan said, “This milestone brings us one step closer to bringing the Liddell BESS online, where it will help stabilise the grid and support the growing share of renewables in New South Wales.
Weighing an impressive 254 tonnes each, the transformers are essential to the safe and efficient operation of the BESS, by enabling energy to be stored, converted, and delivered at grid voltage—bridging the gap between battery and network.
Located at the former Liddell Power Station site in the Hunter, the 500MW two-hour duration BESS will store excess renewable energy, providing critical grid stability by dispatching stored energy during periods of peak demand.
AGL general manager construction Johan Myburgh said, “The construction and development of the Liddell BESS is progressing well with the arrival of the second of the two large transformers, marking another key milestone for the AGL construction team.
Related article: Curtain closes on 52-year-old Liddell Power Station
Approximately 147 people are working to deliver the Liddell BESS, and we are on track for targeted first operations in early 2026.”
The next phase includes electrical installation, testing and commissioning of HV switchgear, and close coordination with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) ahead of full market integration.
