Construction has commenced on stage two of Origin’s Eraring BESS (battery energy storage system), which is set to begin operations in Q4 2025.
Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, joined Origin CEO, Frank Calabria, and key technology and construction partners at a sod-turning event to mark the official commencement of construction of the second stage of the large-scale battery on the site of Eraring Power Station.
In late July 2024, Origin announced it had approved the second stage development of a large-scale battery at Eraring Power Station, committing to invest approximately $450 million. When combined with the stage one battery investment, Origin is spending more than $1 billion on battery storage at the site.
The second stage of the Eraring battery will add a 240MW/1030MWh four-hour duration grid-forming battery to the 460MW/1073MWh two-hour duration first stage battery development already under construction, which is anticipated to come online at the end of the 2025 calendar year.
Mr Calabria said, “I’m delighted Greg Piper could join us to mark commencement of construction on the second stage of the Eraring battery and I would like to acknowledge his ongoing interest in and support of Origin and the Eraring power station.
“Today is another important step in Origin’s transformation of the Eraring site so it can continue contributing to the reliability and security of energy supply in this region and support the ongoing growth of variable renewable energy in the grid.
“Large-scale batteries like the one we are developing at Eraring will play an important role in the energy transition, charging when renewables are abundant and discharging when needed, such as during the evening peak.
“When fully commissioned in early 2027, the combined energy storage of stage one and stage two of the Eraring batteries will be over 2GWh. This is just one way Origin is pursuing its ambition to lead the energy transition,” Mr Calabria said.
Speaking at the event, Mr Piper said, “Eraring Power Station, while providing more energy than any other power station in the state for many years, has also been a source of many jobs supporting families and the local economy.
“The power station, with its connection to the power grid, is perfectly positioned to be part of the energy future of the state. I’m keen to see that continue along with the ongoing contribution to the local economy long after coal generation ends. Today’s announcement is another step on that journey.
“I’m pleased that Origin has backed in our community with the significant investment they’ve made on both stages of the Eraring large-scale battery and look forward to visiting again when it is operational,” Mr Piper said.
The Eraring battery project received initial planning approval from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in May 2022.
Battery equipment will be supplied by Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, Balance of Plant Design and Construction services will be provided by Enerven, a subsidiary of SA Power Networks, while Lumea (the commercial arm of Transgrid) will complete the dedicated HV substation works.
Eraring is Australia’s largest power station, supplying around a quarter of New South Wales’s energy needs. It is Origin’s only coal-fired generator.
Featured image: Enerven.
