The Australian Capital Territory’s largest battery energy storage system is now operational in Williamsdale, marking a milestone for the Big Canberra Battery program and boosting energy security across the region.
Delivering at least 250 megawatts of power, the large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) can store enough renewable energy to supply one-third of the city for up to two hours during peak demand periods.
The system is designed to feed clean energy into the grid when household demand surges or when solar generation drops, helping maintain a stable and affordable electricity supply.
The project was delivered through a partnership between the ACT government and global energy storage developer Eku Energy.
Construction generated significant local employment, supporting 150 jobs at peak activity and upskilling local workers within the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.
Beyond strengthening grid reliability and lowering reliance on fossil fuels, the Williamsdale facility forms the cornerstone of a broader network of energy storage infrastructure.
The Big Canberra Battery program also encompasses smaller neighbourhood batteries operating in Dickson, Casey and Fadden, creating a distributed network to store local solar generation and manage neighbourhood peak loads.
The commissioning of the Williamsdale site represents a key step towards the ACT’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
By firming up variable renewable energy supplies, the battery framework ensures local households and businesses retain uninterrupted power during high-demand events, such as heatwaves and winter peaks.
With the primary Williamsdale component now operational, the integrated battery network will continue to underpin the ACT’s transition towards a fully electrified, clean-energy economy while reinforcing long-term power security for Canberrans.