Construction has started on Western Australia’s second grid-scale battery energy storage system in Kwinana, to help deliver cleaner, reliable and affordable energy for the future.
The WA government has allocated $625 million for Kwinana Battery Stage Two, which will comprise 288 shipping container-sized battery modules and will feature 72 inverter units.
These inverters use new-generation technology to support grid stability by storing electricity when demand is lowest and delivering it back into the grid during peak times.
More than 160 jobs will be created during the construction of the second big battery, which is expected to be completed by late 2024.
WA’s first transmission-connected big battery was switched on last month and provides 100 megawatts or 200 megawatt-hours.
Kwinana Battery Stage Two will provide 200 megawatts of energy capacity with 800 megawatt hours of energy storage – four times that of Kwinana Battery Stage One.
The big battery is being built on three hectares at the former Kwinana Power Station, adjacent to the first grid-scale battery.
The Cook Government is investing $3.8 billion into renewable energy infrastructure, including a 500 megawatt battery energy storage system in Collie. The development application for the Collie big battery is expected to be submitted to the Shire of Collie later this year.
Big batteries are an important initiative under the WA Government’s Energy Transformation Strategy and commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
Premier Roger Cook said the start of construction for WA’s second grid-scale battery energy storage system is an important milestone in WA’s energy transformation.
“WA is a leader in the uptake of residential solar energy, and these big batteries help to ensure our energy system remains reliable as we transition away from coal-fired power.
“It is particularly fitting that we’re building the infrastructure of future at the site of the old Kwinana Power Station – keeping the Kwinana industrial strip front and centre as our energy system transitions to a new future.”
Energy Minister Bill Johnston said the battery features new technology and will strengthen the reliability of the power supply to WA’s main electricity grid.
“WA is unique in its energy security because we are not connected to other networks.
“By investing in renewable energy and battery storage solutions, this government is safe-guarding the long-term resilience and flexibility of our electricity network.”
