Collie’s transformation from a coal powerhouse to a clean energy hub has entered a new phase with today’s announcement that the town is now home to Western Australia’s biggest state-owned battery — a massive renewable energy asset capable of powering 785,000 homes for more than four hours.
The landmark Collie Battery Energy Storage System (CBESS), developed by Synergy and backed by the WA government, marks a major step in Western Australia’s transition toward a low-carbon, reliable energy future.
Located opposite the historic Collie Power Station, the $1.6 billion facility features an impressive 500 megawatts (MW) of capacity with 2,400 megawatt hours (MWh) of output.
That makes it not only the largest state‑owned battery in Western Australia but also one of the biggest batteries in the nation.
Premier Roger Cook said the Collie Battery demonstrated his government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring Collie remains central to the state’s energy story even as coal is phased out.
“Collie has played a vital role in powering Western Australia for decades, and under my government, it will continue to do so,” said Cook.
“Not only is the town now home to Australia’s biggest batteries, but its future has also been bolstered by our updated Just Transition Plan, which will provide further certainty to the local workforce.
“I want to keep WA’s economy the strongest in the nation by securing the state’s next generation of job-creating projects.
“That’s exactly what my government is delivering through Collie’s Just Transition.”
The CBESS builds on nearly $700 million in government investments through Collie’s Just Transition initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at preparing the community for the state’s shift away from coal by 2030.
Those funds support local job creation, workforce training, and development through initiatives such as the Collie Jobs and Skills Centre.
Together with the battery project, they form a key part of a broader plan to redefine Collie’s place in Western Australia’s energy and economic landscape.
Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber‑Jade Sanderson said the Collie battery will play a vital role in supporting grid security and affordability as renewable energy generation continues to grow.
“Synergy’s Collie battery will capture wind and solar generation and use it to power homes when needed,” she said.
“Renewable generation and storage backed by gas is the least-cost energy mix for households and businesses and will put downward pressure on prices as we exit state-owned coal fired power by 2030.”
The Collie facility is the third grid-scale battery commissioned by the WA government in just over three years.
It joins other major energy storage projects across the state that are designed to stabilise the grid and store renewable energy for use during periods of high demand.
Beyond large‑scale projects like CBESS, the state government’s $337 million WA Residential Battery Scheme is enabling more households to participate directly in the clean energy transition.
So far, it has supported the installation of more than 10,000 home batteries, providing cost‑of‑living relief by cutting electricity bills and improving energy independence.
Ultimately, funding is available for up to 100,000 household systems, making it one of the most ambitious residential battery programs in the country.
While Collie has long powered Western Australia through its coal-fired generators, the new battery will preserve the town’s importance while reshaping its role for a renewable era.
The recently released Collie Just Transition Plan 2026–2030 outlines a roadmap for the community’s long-term transformation, developed in partnership with the local Just Transition Working Group.
Complementing it is the Collie Investment Prospectus, which highlights new opportunities for the town in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism.
South West Minister Don Punch said the dual focus on infrastructure and community investment ensures Collie’s economic resilience well into the future.
“Collie has long been an economic and employment anchor for the South West, and this major investment ensures the town remains central to Western Australia’s energy future,” said Punch.
“By backing large‑scale renewable infrastructure alongside strong transition planning, we are delivering real opportunities for local workers and businesses while positioning the region for long‑term prosperity.”
Collie‑Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said the project had already delivered tangible benefits for the community, creating hundreds of local jobs during construction.
“Synergy’s Collie battery project generated about 500 jobs during construction, including 50 jobs for people living in the local community,” said Hanns.
“Collie is now home to the two biggest operational batteries in Australia, ensuring it will continue its significant role in powering WA’s main electricity system for generations to come.”
