Lumea to partner with AGL to connect one of the largest battery projects in NSW
News - 08 May 2024
Australia’s transition to renewable energy just received a powerful boost as Lumea prepares to connect one of the largest battery projects in New South Wales for customer AGL.
The 500MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be developed on the site of the defunct Liddell Power Station within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The vast battery boasts a formidable two hours of storage capacity and is among the largest in Lumea’s energy storage history.
The project will be supported by both a $35 million grant awarded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) as part of its Advancing Renewables Program and a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA), arranged by AEMO Services on behalf of the NSW Government.
Tony Ryan, General Manager Energy Services Lumea said “The scale of the Liddell BESS Project will not only provide valuable energy security to the community, but it shows a big commitment to accelerate decarbonisation. Batteries of this scale play a big part in helping Australia reach its 2030 renewables targets.”
The Liddell BESS Project is not the first instance of a working relationship between Lumea and customer AGL, after contracts were executed in 2023 permitting Lumea to connect the Broken Hill BESS in Western NSW, and the adjoining Silverton Wind Farm.
AGL’s Managing Director and CEO, Damien Nicks, says, “We are excited to approve another major grid scale battery project in our development pipeline, supporting the local economy and creating energy transition jobs at our Hunter Energy Hub. Importantly, the Liddell battery will be a key component of achieving our interim target of approximately 5 GW of new renewables and firming capacity in place by 2030.”
With construction set to commence imminently and practical completion targeted for mid-2025, the Liddell BESS Project aims to be fully operational by 2026 with the capability to provide clean energy to Australian homes and businesses for twenty years. As Australia gains momentum as a global leader in clean energy, Lumea stands poised to lead the charge, driving innovation and sustainability every step of the way.
