Battery storage is fast becoming a critical part of WA’s energy landscape. Synergy’s Battery Energy Storage System Stage 1 (KBESS1) is the biggest grid-scale battery in the state. The 100 megawatt / 200 megawatt-hour battery is a key element of the Western Australian Government’s Energy Transformation Strategy, helping support the state’s electricity system and enabling the uptake of more renewables in the community.
The WA Government committed funding for Kwinana Battery Energy Storage System Stage 2 (KBESS2). KBESS2 is under construction and will provide 200 MW of capacity with 800 MWh.
Money from the State Budget was also allocated to an even bigger battery in Collie - to provide around 500 MW for up to four hours. A development application for the Collie Battery Energy Storage System (CBESS) has been submitted.
Big Battery Project FAQs
- How will the Big Battery help the electricity system?
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The growing volume of energy produced by rooftop solar systems means there is increased electricity flowing into the network from residential homes. The extra energy is, in turn, reducing demand for electricity produced by power stations.
Big batteries improve system stability and help with the transition to increased renewables by charging and discharging rapidly, and smoothing the supply volatility caused by solar generation. Big batteries also help by soaking up excess energy when demand is low during the day, storing it, and then discharging it into the system when demand picks up again in the afternoon and evening. - How many jobs will be created by the big battery projects?
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More than 160 jobs are expected to be created during the construction of KBESS2.
Up to 500 jobs are expected to be created at the peak of construction for the Collie big battery.
- When will the Big Battery become operational?
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KBESS2 is expected to be completed by late 2024.
CBESS is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.