The first battery units are now in place at one of Western Australia’s biggest batteries in Collie, as the Cook Labor Government continues to power ahead with the State’s energy transition.
Synergy’s $1.6 billion Collie battery energy system will provide 500 megawatts of power with 2000 megawatt hours of storage when connected to the grid in 2025 which means the battery will be able to power 785,000 average homes for four hours – making it one of Australia’s biggest battery systems.
Construction on the battery system is creating around 500 jobs in Collie – providing a major economic boost. The first 80 units are now in place, with the entire system to include 640 units when complete.
The Collie battery will join Synergy’s existing battery systems in Kwinana, soaking up excess solar and wind energy during the day to provide system stability and support continued uptake of renewables in the South West Interconnected System.
The WA Labor Government has invested $5.4 billion in the energy transition to date, as part of its plan to provide clean, affordable and reliable energy for WA’s future, through new generation, storage and transmission infrastructure across the State.
Commenting on this significant event WA Pemier Roger Cook said, “The energy transition is powering ahead under our Labor Government, setting up WA’s economy for the future.
“The Collie battery will be one of the biggest in Australia, and means we can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy for WA for decades to come.
“Importantly, this big battery keeps Collie at the heart of our energy system, supporting local jobs and ensuring a strong future for the town.”
WA Energy Minister Reece Whitby added, “Our Government is getting on with the job of securing clean, reliable, and affordable power for all Western Australians.
“We know large-scale storage is important in our State because it supports household investment in rooftop solar and will allow us to continue our phased and sensible plan to transition out of coal by 2030.
“By installing these containerised battery systems in Collie, Synergy is one step closer to securing a cleaner energy mix that can provide power to the system when it’s most needed.”
