EnergyAustralia has reached financial close on its Hallett Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in South Australia, marking a major new investment in the region’s energy infrastructure.
The Hallett battery will have an initial storage capacity of 50 megawatt (MW) and will be able to power up to 81,000 homes and small businesses for four hours.
EnergyAustralia has plans to triple its capacity to 150 MW in a future second stage, taking the total site to 200 MW.
The battery will connect through existing equipment at the Hallett Power Station, minimising the need for new transmission works and reducing land and environmental impacts.
By operating alongside the existing 235 MW gas-fired power station, the battery will be able to provide fast, flexible storage to support renewable generation, while allowing the gas plant to continue providing firm capacity during periods of sustained demand.
EnergyAustralia Trading and Transition Executive, Daniel Nugent, said the project shows how existing sites can be utilised in the energy transition.
“By building the battery at Hallett, we’re making use of infrastructure that is already there, supporting local jobs and strengthening South Australia’s power system at the same time.
“Financial close means this project is real, funded and now being built and our focus now shifts squarely to disciplined execution and delivery,” Nugent said.
“Projects like Hallett BESS are essential to store that energy and release it when it’s needed most.
“The battery will help keep the grid reliable and support South Australia’s leadership in clean energy.”
The Hallett BESS will begin construction in the next few weeks with commercial operations expected in mid-2027.
EnergyAustralia chose NHOA Energy as the battery integrator, responsible for supplying the batteries and inverters, while Enerven will deliver civil, electrical and construction works.
The company is also building the Wooreen energy storage system, a four-hour utility-scale battery of 350 MW capacity battery in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, and has announced plans to build a 500 MW BESS next to its Mt Piper coal generator in New South Wales.