– AEMO granted Generator Performance Standard approval for the Waratah Super Battery, the largest battery storage project in the southern hemisphere.
– The super battery is anticipated to be 850MW/1,680MWh and will help ensure stability and reliability of the electrical grid in Australia.
– Akaysha Energy is developing the project, which is on track to be fully operational by August 2025, and includes partnerships with Powin and Consolidated Power Projects Australia.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has granted Generator Performance Standard (GPS) approval for the Waratah Super Battery, marking its first approval for such a large battery energy storage project with an anticipated capacity of 850MW/1,680MWh. According to Akaysha Energy, developer of the battery, GPS approval is a crucial milestone for ensuring stability and reliability of the electrical grid by setting performance standards that generators and storage projects must meet to prevent disruptions and ensure smooth integration into the energy infrastructure.
Located near Sydney, the Waratah Super Battery is said to be the largest battery project in the southern hemisphere and the most powerful battery globally. Akaysha Energy will construct the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 700MW and 1,400MWh, enabling more power flow within New South Wales by increasing transmission capacity and accessing additional revenue streams through electricity market trading. The project, scheduled to be operational by August 2025, involves a consortium led by Akaysha Energy, Powin, and Consolidated Power Projects Australia (CPP).
The successful GPS approval clears a significant technical barrier for the Waratah Super Battery, allowing it to participate in the growing energy storage market in Australia and setting an example for other ‘super batteries’ to follow suit. This approval is seen as a watershed moment in the energy market, showcasing a clear pathway for large-scale energy projects to connect to the Australian grid.