Shell Energy has announced plans to build, own, and operate the Wallerawang 9 Battery, a 500 MW/1,000 MWh battery storage facility in New South Wales. The project is located at the Wallerawang power station, a former coal power station in NSW. It will help to support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, provide stability for the power system, and boost the local economy.
This announcement aligns with Shell’s strategy to transition to a low-carbon energy future, where the company aims to be a net-zero emission business by 2050. The Wallerawang 9 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project is a part of this strategy. It will be critical to achieving this goal by supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and providing energy storage capacity.
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Shell Energy Chief Executive Officer Greg Joiner said, “Battery energy storage has a vital role to play in the energy transition by supporting renewable generation and contributing to improved reliability for the grid and consumers. Shell Energy is proud to take an important step forward in NSW’s energy future, particularly in helping regional communities such as Lithgow continue to play a role when energy is increasingly decarbonised.”
“The greater Lithgow region has contributed to powering NSW for nearly 70 years,” said Greenspot CEO Brett Hawkins. “As the economy decarbonises, and new energy technologies are adopted, it is critically important that strategies are implemented to attract a range of new businesses to areas like Lithgow which have traditionally relied heavily on coal-based industry.”
“Shell is building a significant renewable energy portfolio in Australia and we look forward to working with Shell on Wallerawang 9 to make this a success for the Greenspot precinct and the Lithgow region more broadly.”
Images&Sources: Greenspot – Artist impression of indicative layout for Greenspot’s proposed Wallerawang 9 Battery Shell Energy will develop the project in partnership with Neoen, a leading renewable energy company. The partnership will combine the expertise of both companies to build and operate the battery storage facility.
Wallerawang 9 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The second significant battery planned for the NSW region is Wallerawang 9. The project would entail building and running a sizable BESS. Within the 40-ha project site, the project would need around 10 ha of land.
Greenspot gained approval for the construction of a 500MW/1,000MWh BESS in August 2022. This BESS will connect to the nearby 330kV TransGrid Wallerawang Substation.
The anticipated $400M project’s receiving development permission is seen as a significant step toward NSW’s energy future. The name “Wallerawang 9” honours the power plant’s history, particularly generation units 7 and 8, which were the plant’s final operating coal-fired units.
Image&Source: Greenspot A region moving away from the coal industry
The Wallerawang 9 BESS project is expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction, boosting the local economy and providing economic benefits to the community.
The project is also expected to provide long-term employment opportunities in operation and maintenance of the facility.
The Wallerawang 9 Battery will be charged using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power and will then discharge electricity to the grid when demand is high. This will help to balance the supply and demand of electricity and make the grid more reliable.
Furthermore, the Wallerawang 9 battery will help provide grid services such as frequency and voltage control and assist in integrating renewable energy resources.
Overall, the Wallerawang 9 BESS project is a significant step towards integrating renewable energy resources and transitioning to a low-carbon energy future in Australia. It will stabilise the grid and create economic opportunities for the local community.
Image: Greenspot About Shell Energy
Shell Energy is a subsidiary of Shell that provides commercial and industrial customers with innovative business energy solutions across a portfolio of electricity, gas, environmental products, and energy productivity.
In contrast, its residential energy retailing business, Powershop, provides services to individuals and small businesses throughout Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and South East Queensland.
About Greenspot
A privately held NSW organisation called Greenspot was founded to acquire and use property assets, largely from the fossil fuel sector. To maximise economic and social results during the transition to a circular, sustainable energy economy, the company collaborates with communities, the government, Traditional Custodians, and other important stakeholders.
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