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Waratah Super Battery reaches full commercial operations
The more-than $1 billion (USD 700 million) Waratah super battery built by Akaysha Energy on the site of the former Munmorah coal-fired power station on the New South Wales (NSW) Central Coast has reached full commercial operations. With a total capacity of 850 MW and storage of 1,680 MWh, the Waratah battery energy storage system (BESS) is set to play a key role in NSW’s energy transformation, supporting the growing volume of renewable energy entering the grid and helping to deliver reliable electricity as ageing coal-fired power stations retire. NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe confirmed on Monday that the battery has now received approval to operate at full capacity from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). “The Waratah Super Battery is a game changer for NSW,” she said. “As ageing coal-fired power stations retire, this project will help keep the lights on for homes and businesses while enabling more renewable energy to flow through the grid.” “This is exactly the kind of infrastructure NSW needs to deliver a reliable, affordable and modern energy system for generations to come.” The BESS forms the foundation of the Waratah Super Battery Project, that also includes a 700 MW / 1,400 MWh system integrity...