A $1 billion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Raymond Terrace is expected to play a key role in keeping the region’s lights on during peak demands.
At 500 megawatt (MW)/2,000 MW-hour (MWh) capacity, the Tomago facility will power about 200,000 homes.
It’ll also store energy from the electricity grid during low-peak periods and then quickly ramp up or down depending on requirements.
During construction, it’s anticipated the BESS will generate 200 jobs to build the new structure along with six ongoing operational roles to boost the local economy.
AGL, Tomago’s developer, will provide approximately $2.2 million to Port Stephens Council, too, for community improvement projects through its Voluntary Planning Agreement.
“Today’s announcement further shores up our region as a renewable energy powerhouse, that’ll power communities for decades to come,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.
“The $1 billion project will inject a major capital investment within the Hunter as well.”
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington was equally thrilled.
“Port Stephens is a manufacturing powerhouse,” she said.
“This big battery project will help power good skilled local jobs into the future.
“It’s exciting that Port Stephens will be home to a billion-dollar battery, one of the biggest in the state, helping deliver sustainable and reliable energy.”
The Tomago BESS will enhance the reliability of energy supply within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) by providing a stable and consistent power source.
It also adds to the state’s growing network of 57 large-scale batteries, which have already been approved to support the transition as coal-fired power retires.
“These developments are playing an increasingly important role by providing firming capacity to support renewable generation, while improving the strength and reliability of the network,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
“Under the Minns government, there have been 30 renewable projects approved, including 14 large-scale batteries.
“But, with a $1 billion price tag, this BESS is one of the biggest in NSW.
“Even better, it infuses a major capital investment within the Port Stephens and Lower Hunter areas.
“Large-scale batteries are crucial for our energy future.
“They help store renewable energy, making sure we have a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
“This not only supports our transition to cleaner energy but also strengthens our security and resilience.
“Investing in these batteries means a more sustainable and dependable energy system for everyone.”
For more news stories:
- Community to honour victim of ‘senseless murder’ James Callahan
- Sea of kayaks keep police on alert in Newcastle Harbour
- ‘Selfish’ Hunter motorists still don’t get it
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
