Transgrid to offer 1 GW of tender for grid-forming batteries in NSW

A technical analysis is being completed for the tender.

Transgrid is gearing up to launch the initial stage of tender for grid-forming batteries in New South Wales.

“With the recent boom in grid-scale batteries, calling on them to act as stabilisers means we can accelerate the crucial strengthening of the renewable grid without increasing its footprint,” Transgrid Executive General Manager of Network Jason Krstanoski said.

The transmission company said the initial tender process will seek proposals from batteries providing approximately 1 gigawatt (GW) of stabilising services, out of Transgrid’s eventual 5 GW target.

The initial request proposals from select battery owners for services is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

Following the tender process, Transgrid will register the executed contracts with AEMO for enablement in the energy market dispatch process, ensuring the stabilising measures are in place when they are needed in 2026.

“Giant batteries will complement the proven grid-strengthening role played by synchronous condensers to enable the NSW power system to operate at up to 100% instantaneous renewables,” Krstanoski said.