The ACT Government has chosen Eku Energy to develop, build, and operate the next stage of the Big Canberra Battery: a large-scale battery storage facility in Williamsdale, Tuggeranong.

Eku Energy is a global specialist energy storage business, established by Macquarie’s Green Investment Group,

The 250-megawatt (MW), 500 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) will store enough renewable energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

The BESS will cost between $300 and $400 million.  Construction will start in late 2024, and be completed in 2025.

The ACT will receive a consequential share of the revenue from the battery’s participation in the National Electricity Market. The battery will also provide energy and essential system security services. In exchange, the ACT will pay Eku Energy a fixed amount every quarter for 15 years.

• ACT’s first battery connected to National Electricity Market (2 February 2023)
• Building the Big Canberra Battery (25 July 2022)

Mr Barr said the ACT Government’s partnership with Eku Energy was “a significant step” in delivering the Big Canberra Battery ecosystem.

“When I first announced the Big Canberra Battery project, we had three objectives in mind: grow jobs in our renewable energy sector, create a meaningful revenue stream for the Territory, and improve energy security for Canberrans,” Mr Barr said. “This contract delivers on all three of those objectives.”

“The Big Canberra Battery represents a significant milestone for Eku Energy as we celebrate our first GWh of battery energy storage in delivery in Australia,” Daniel Burrows, the company’s Asia Pacific director and chief investment officer, said. “This brings our global portfolio of battery energy storage assets to over 4GWh.”

Mr Barr said the Big Canberra Battery will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid, help the ACT grow its renewable energy sector, provide more local jobs, and deliver a positive financial return for the Territory.

The battery will support the electricity grid during network outages, particularly in peak periods when the electricity grid can be under significant stress.  It can back up the grid in just a few milliseconds, helping to prevent blackouts.

“As a combined network, this battery ecosystem can address network constraints, enable more Canberrans to reap solar benefits, and present the opportunity for the Territory to reduce costs and generate revenue,” Mr Barr said.

“Battery storage technology is a critical component of our net-zero emissions future as we continue to lead the nation on climate action.

“The ACT has delivered 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020, and initiatives like this build on that achievement and demonstrate the viability of renewable energy in supporting a robust, affordable, and sustainable energy grid.”

For more information about the Big Canberra Battery, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.

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