RWE to develop 50 MW BESS project in NSW to start in late 2025

The project is expected to start operations in late 2025.

Renewable firm RWE will develop the first eight-hour battery energy storage (BESS) in Australia near Balranald in New South Wales with a planned capacity of over 50 megawatts and 400 MW hours.

In a statement, RWE said the BESS, which will start construction in the second half of the year and start operations in late 2025, was the only successful project in the state’s first long-duration storage long-term services tender process.

The project will be located next to one of the largest solar farms in Australia, Limondale Solar Farm, with a capacity of 249 megawatt alternating current.

“RWE’s investment decision and signing of supplier contracts for the Limondale BESS project is an exciting step forward in our commitment to the Australian renewables sector and support of New South Wales’ renewable energy ambitions,” Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said.

RWE selected Tesla as the BESS supplier whilst Beon Energy Solutions will be the delivery partner for the Balance of Plant which includes the civil, structural, electrical, and control works to connect the Megapack to the 33-kilovolt substation.