Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia is heralding a new agreement that aims to make the Armidale East BESS one of the most significant long-duration energy storage systems in Australia.
FRV Australia says the Armidale East BESS project has been awarded a Long Duration Storage Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) under Tender Round 6 of the New South Wales Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
The LTESA framework is a key pillar of the roadmap, designed to accelerate the deployment of firm and long-duration storage solutions that support the security, resilience, and decarbonisation of the state’s electricity system.
Located about 16km east of Armidale, the project will deliver a total capacity of 315MW, of which 157.5MW will feature an eight-hour duration system contracted under LTESA, making it one of the most significant long-duration energy storage systems currently under development in the country.
“Armidale East BESS represents a key milestone in FRV Australia’s strategy to advance long-duration storage solutions across New South Wales and the wider NEM. With its eight-hour duration capability, this project will provide firm and dispatchable energy over extended periods, enable longer duration energy shifting, and make a decisive contribution toward the decarbonisation objectives of both the state and the country,” said FRV Australia CEO Carlo Frigerio.
Armidale East BESS will also play a role in supporting New South Wales to meet its legislated long-duration storage objectives, which include achieving at least 16GWh by 2030 and 28GWh by 2034. By delivering sustained output over eight hours, the project addresses this need by providing infrastructure designed to enhance supply firmness and enable the efficient integration of new renewable capacity.
Armidale East BESS is making clear commitments to community engagement, local industry participation and First Nations participation. These Social Licence Commitments, which outline how the project will engage with the local community, support local businesses and workers, and create broader economic and social benefits throughout development, construction and operation, will be available in the project’s website.
Armidale East is expected to become FRV Australia’s third BESS project in the country, following the Terang (100MW/200MWh) and Gnarwarre (250MW/500MWh) projects currently under construction in Victoria.
