Sydney, Australia – The Waratah Super Battery, a cornerstone of New South Wales' energy transition, has commenced operations with its first 350 megawatts (MW) of power capacity now live. Situated at the site of the former Munmorah coal-fired power station, this significant milestone marks a crucial step in bolstering grid stability and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources across the state. The battery, developed by Akaysha Energy and operated by Transgrid, is designed to act as a "shock absorber" for the grid, providing rapid response to unforeseen network events.

Upon its full completion, the Waratah Super Battery is projected to deliver 850 MW of power and 1680 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage, making it one of the largest grid-scale batteries globally. Its primary function is to serve as a System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) battery, enabling the safe and reliable operation of the grid by detecting and responding to disturbances, such as unexpected power plant outages or transmission line faults. This capability allows more power to flow through existing transmission lines, effectively increasing the grid's capacity to transport renewable energy from regional generation zones to demand centers.

The strategic placement of the battery at Munmorah, a former coal-fired power hub, symbolizes the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy infrastructure. As NSW phases out its aging coal fleet, large-scale battery storage solutions like Waratah are indispensable for maintaining system strength and reliability. The battery's rapid dispatch capabilities ensure that energy supply can be firmed, mitigating the intermittency associated with solar and wind power generation. This is particularly vital for the state's ambitious target of achieving 12 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity by 2030.

"The activation of the first 350 MW of the Waratah Super Battery is a landmark achievement for NSW's energy future," stated Brett Redman, CEO of Transgrid. "This project is not just about raw capacity; it's about intelligent grid management, ensuring that as we bring more renewables online, our network remains robust and resilient. It provides the critical inertia and rapid response needed to navigate the complexities of a decarbonizing grid." The project underscores the growing investment in utility-scale battery storage across Australia, a trend driven by both economic incentives and the imperative of climate action. Its successful integration sets a precedent for future large-scale energy infrastructure projects in the region.