The Waratah Super Battery has begun full operations in New South Wales, adding large-scale storage capacity to the state’s electricity network as more renewable energy comes online.
Built on the site of the former Munmorah coal-fired power station, the battery has the capacity to deliver 850 megawatts of power and store up to 1,680 megawatt hours of electricity. At maximum output, it can provide enough power to supply up to 340,000 NSW households during periods of peak demand.
The project is designed to help stabilise the electricity grid when unexpected disruptions occur, including outages caused by bushfires, fallen trees or lightning strikes. Its control systems can respond rapidly to changes in the network, helping maintain electricity supply when parts of the transmission system are affected.
The Waratah Super Battery combines large-scale battery storage with advanced control systems and existing transmission infrastructure. This allows stored electricity to be deployed when required while helping accommodate additional renewable generation on the NSW grid.
The project comes as NSW prepares for the retirement of ageing coal-fired power stations and an increase in renewable energy generation. Installed battery energy storage capacity in NSW has increased substantially since the Minns Government came to office, while large-scale solar and wind generation operating in the state has also grown.
Around 1,000 people were involved in the design and construction of the Waratah Super Battery, including about 170 workers at the Munmorah site.
The project was commissioned by the NSW Government’s EnergyCo and built by Akaysha Energy. The Australian Energy Market Operator has approved the battery to operate at full capacity, while Transgrid delivered upgrades to the existing electricity network and will operate the network infrastructure associated with the project.
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said the battery would help maintain electricity reliability as older coal-fired generators retire and more renewable energy enters the grid.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the project represented a new use for the former Munmorah Power Station site and would contribute to future energy infrastructure and employment in the region.
Central Coast Minister David Harris said the project demonstrated how former industrial sites could be repurposed for new infrastructure while supporting investment and employment.
EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey said the project would play a role in maintaining grid security as renewable energy became a larger part of the state’s electricity supply.
Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter said the company would now focus on the battery’s role in supporting electricity reliability and the transition towards a more renewable NSW energy system.
Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said the battery would provide an additional safeguard as coal-fired generation retires and new transmission infrastructure is developed to connect renewable energy with major load centres in Sydney, the Illawarra and the Hunter.
Transgrid’s System Integrity Protection Scheme Control System is designed to detect network issues in real time and respond automatically, helping maintain continuity of electricity supply.
The Waratah Super Battery is now part of the infrastructure supporting NSW’s electricity system, providing large-scale storage that can respond to changing demand and network conditions.
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