Global energy giant ENGIE has begun work on a South Australian battery that will bolster the state’s security and aid in the transition to renewables.
The 200 MW/ 400 MWh Pelican Point BESS will be built alongside the gas-fired 489 MW Pelican Point Power Station with an aim to add greater capacity and flexibility to the state’s electricity grid.
ENGIE says the combination will provide cutting-edge storage technology along with fast-response generation to ensure secure, affordable energy and strengthen resilience of the grid.
Pelican Point has also just had one of its units converted to an open cycle turbine for faster start and ramp up for greater flexibility.
Part of transition
ENGIE Australia’s Managing Director of Renewables and Batteries Laura Caspari said co-locating large batteries with existing or former thermal power sites is a key to accelerating Australia’s energy transition.
“Developing BESS projects at our sites leverages existing infrastructure, minimises environmental impacts, and ensures we can deliver reliable, flexible energy solutions at speed. This supports the rapid integration of renewables and creates future-ready energy hubs,” said Ms Caspari.
Extra resource
The battery is expected to be commissioned in the second half of 2027, and once operational, will have the capacity to store and discharge enough to power more than 29,400 average South Australian homes.
“This project will create around 250 jobs during the construction phase and along with our retail customers, existing wind farms, thermal assets and new renewable energy developments, reinforces South Australia as a key state for ENGIE to operate in and grow our presence.”
