Overview
The Great Western Battery is a proposed 500 MW stand-alone battery in NSW.
The name was chosen due to the project’s proximity to the Great Western Highway, one of Australia’s earliest inland roads.
The battery will be able to provide a variety of services to the grid including frequency control and load shifting, which are both necessary for the development of more renewable energy.
Battery
Battery storage allows us to store the energy and reinject it into the grid whenever it’s needed.
Click map to enlarge
Location
The Great Western Battery will be located in the Lithgow region of NSW, just north of Wallerawang and about a 40 minute drive from Bathurst.
It will be linked to Transgrid’s transmission network via a substation.
Benefits
Project Lifecycle
1
Site Selection
We undertake research & early negotiations with landowners for options to lease or purchase sites that show potential for hosting renewable energy assets.
2
Feasibility
We create preliminary designs & initiate feasibility studies to identify site constraints. We commence early engagement with Traditional Owners, neighbours, local council and the community. We hold community information sessions locally.
3
Planning & Approvals
Extensive studies & surveys are undertaken to create detailed project design before submitting a Development Application (DA) to the New South Wales Government. Ongoing community and governmental consultations help refine project plans. We initiate grid connection enquiries.
4
Pre-Construction
If the DA is approved, we conduct a procurement process to appoint a construction contractor. Grid connection agreements & energy contracts get finalised, and our focus shifts to securing financing from lenders. A networking session is held for local jobseekers, suppliers & businesses to discuss upcoming opportunities.
5
Construction
The site mobilises, local suppliers & jobseekers are appointed, and civil, mechanical & electrical works commence. The project becomes a reality as the construction team builds and commissions the asset.
6
Operations
We maintain the asset for at least 25 years to ensure strong energy generation & revenue optimisation. Our community benefit-sharing program begins contributing to local initiatives.
7
Decommissioning or Site Renewal
We decide on whether to continue operations or decommission the site. New construction works or site rehabilitation is undertaken.
News
What we loved about Neoen was their Community Benefit-Sharing Program
and how they worked with host landholders.
Karen and Jonathan Schoff, Host landowners
Culcairn Solar Farm, NSW
Get Involved
Find out some more details
Let us know what you think
With a balanced portfolio of wind, solar and big battery projects, we are Australia’s largest 100% renewables company.
We own and operate many of our projects for the long-term and are committed to sharing the benefits with surrounding communities as a responsible neighbour. Our dedication to the community and environment has made us a ‘developer of choice’ and a pioneer in the industry.
Since 2012, we have contributed over 4.5 GW of renewable energy & storage assets and invested over $7 billion towards Australia’s energy transition.