The Western Australian (WA) Government has announced the State’s first large-scale battery storage project, Kwinana Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), is now ready for operational testing.
The announcement, according to the State Government, is a milestone in the State’s quest for cleaner, more dependable, and more affordable energy.
It comes as the 2023–24 State Budget confirmed an additional $3 billion investment in combating climate change and future-proofing WA’s energy sector.
The McGowan Government has delivered the 100 megawatt/200 megawatt-hour Kwinana battery through Synergy, which can store enough electricity to power 160,000 households for up to two hours.
The system, which required over 200 construction jobs, will now go through a series of charge and discharge tests before entering the network later this year.
BESS collects extra energy from rooftop solar while the sun is shining and releases it in the evening, when demand is at its height, playing an important role in supplying dependable electricity to families and businesses.
“Battery storage systems will be critical to our energy future, allowing us to harness our rooftop solar resources to meet power needs during peak times,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
In the 2023–24 State Budget, the WA Government has earmarked $2.3 billion for two additional BESS, including a second, bigger system at the Kwinana site.
“With the Kwinana big battery entering operational testing today, we’re moving onto an even bigger battery on site — with four times the capacity,” Premier McGowan stated.
The projected big battery would have a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW) and an energy storage capacity of 800 megawatt hours, four times that of stage one.
“It will make our existing electricity system more secure, support the continued uptake of renewables, and set up our State for the long-term,” the Premier added.
In Collie, a new battery system will be built capable of supplying 500 MW for up to four hours.
The second large battery at Kwinana is projected to be operational by late 2024.
The State Budget also contains $368 million for new large-scale wind energy projects between Eneabba and King Rocks, as well as $126 million for electricity network planning and upgrading to accommodate additional renewable energy on the system.
“WA is a leader in adopting smart solutions and cutting-edge technology for a sustainable energy system,” Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.
Minister Johnston added, “We are committed to delivering cleaner and more reliable power to help us reach our ambitious emissions reduction targets.”
