Clean energy developer Enervest has acquired the Northern Border Battery, a 300-megawatt (MW) large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in northern New South Wales, marking a step forward for the nation’s energy storage capacity.
Purchased from an anonymous Sydney-based developer, the project will be one of the first major installations retained on Enervest’s own balance sheet.
The move signals a pivot toward a long-term own-and-operate model for the company, which has historically focused on developing utility-scale assets for third parties.
The development is positioned on the New South Wales–Queensland border near Bonshaw. It has already secured development approval to connect directly into the National Electricity Market (NEM) via Transgrid’s Dumaresq substation, a vital link in the interstate grid interconnector.
The project lands at a crucial time for the state’s network. With Australia’s largest coal-fired power plant, Eraring, scheduled to close in April 2029, independent market projections indicate the nation will require more than 27 gigawatts (GW) of grid-scale storage by 2030 to maintain system stability.
Early site works have already wrapped up on-site, including the completion of crucial public intersection and site access upgrades.
Enervest is currently navigating the connection application process with Transgrid and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), with full facility construction scheduled to kick off in early 2028.
Enervest CEO Ross Warby said: “The acquisition of the Northern Border Battery represents a very significant milestone in Enervest’s long-term own-and-operate strategy and underscores our focus on attractive, high quality, investible projects that deliver lasting benefits.
“With a strong foundation established, we’re now delivering this project at pace to enhance grid resilience and support the next phase of the National Electricity Market as legacy generation exits the system.”
He also emphasised the company’s commitment to the local footprint, promising to work closely alongside Indigenous communities, local councils, and regional community groups to secure lasting social and economic benefits.