Synergy Unveils Australia's Largest Battery in Collie, Western Australia

Synergy, the state-owned utility, has officially opened its third large battery project in Collie, Western Australia. This facility is now confirmed to be the largest in Australia by storage capacity.

Redefining Storage Capacity

The Collie battery, initially projected as a 500-megawatt (MW), 2,000-megawatt-hour (MWh) facility, was re-rated after completion to possess 2,400 MWh of storage capacity. This new capacity surpasses the 560 MW, 2,240 MWh Collie battery operated by Neoen, which was previously the nation's largest.

Powering Homes and Driving Energy Transition

The 500 MW Collie Battery Energy Storage System (CBESS) is capable of powering approximately 785,000 homes for over four hours. A company spokesperson confirmed the revised capacity following the project's completion.

This battery is one of approximately a dozen being developed in Western Australia to facilitate the closure of remaining coal-fired generators by the end of the decade.

It is strategically situated near the 300 MW Collie coal facility, which is slated for closure next year.

Regional Impact and Future Energy Mix

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook noted that the project supports the local workforce and contributes to future job-creating initiatives.

State Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson stated that the Synergy Collie battery will store wind and solar generation for later use. She emphasized that a mix of renewable generation, storage, and gas provides the least-cost energy solution for consumers as the state phases out coal power by 2030.

Local MLA Jodie Hanns highlighted Collie's ongoing importance to Western Australia's electricity system due to the presence of the two largest operational batteries.