The target capacity of the Wellington BESS is 500MW/1,000 MWh, making it one of the largest battery storage projects in the state.
It will connect to the TransGrid Wellington substation, next to the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (Central West Orana REZ), and complement nearby existing renewable energy generation assets as well as the proposed additional generation to be delivered as part of the Central West Orana REZ.
The Wellington BESS will smooth out fluctuations in electricity supply from these new intermittent power sources, providing system security benefits and other network services.
The Wellington BESS has been under development for over 18 months and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is expected to be released for public consultation later this month.
Subject to securing all relevant approvals, authorisations and financing, construction is expected to start mid-2023. Once operational, Shell Energy will hold the rights to charge and dispatch energy from the Wellington BESS.
Ben Salmon, AMPYR’s Director, said it will be one of the largest battery storage projects in NSW, contributing to the reliability of the National Electricity Market and further advancing Australia’s clean energy future.
“It is a very exciting time for renewable energy in Central West NSW, with over 3GW of utility-scale wind and solar operating, in construction and under development,” he said.
Greg Joiner, Shell Energy’s CEO, said, “This partnership with AMPYR signals our commitment to accelerating the energy transition, with this project contributing to improved reliability for the grid and energy consumers in the state.”
In June, AMPYR Solar Europe and BELECTRIC agreed to install a pipeline of more than 200MW of solar capacity in Germany. The first power plants to be constructed are located in Brandenburg.
Shell Energy Operations completed its 49% acquisition of wind farm developer, WestWind Energy Development, in April. The partnership complements Shell’s existing Australian investments in zero and low-carbon assets and technologies.
Dominic Perrottet, Premier of New South Wales, which is targeting net zero by 2050, said developing supply chains for green hydrogen is “at the top of our list”, during Japan’s Time To Act Hydrogen Forum this week. Its hydrogen strategy will support up to A$270bn of investment.
Read more: Countries target Japan green hydrogen supply chain opportunities