- Construction begins on 500 megawatt/2000 megawatt hour Collie battery
- Grid-scale battery to be one of the biggest in the world once complete
- Project will support decarbonisation and Collie jobs
Construction has begun on Synergy’s Collie battery energy storage system, which will be one of the biggest grid-scale batteries in Australia when complete and will provide significant security to Western Australia’s main power system.
The battery, which will have a 500 megawatt/2000 megawatt hour capacity, will be funded as part of the State Government’s commitment to expand battery storage throughout WA.
Synergy’s batteries are already playing a critical role in meeting peak demand, with Kwinana Battery Stage One providing power to the South West Interconnected System since it was completed in May 2023.
Kwinana Battery Stage Two is under construction and due to be completed in late-2024.
Collie-based earthworks and rehabilitation specialists Cardinal Contractors has been awarded the contract to complete site preparation earthworks for the battery facility, with up to 500 jobs expected to be created at the peak of construction.
The battery is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Large-scale batteries provide long-term system stability and support the uptake of more renewables, with Synergy planning to build 3 gigawatt hours of storage by 2025.
As stated by Energy Minister Reece Whitby:
“This is an exciting milestone for Western Australia’s decarbonisation journey.
“Synergy’s ground-breaking project is significant for the Collie community and will help local workers and families as Synergy seeks to exit coal-fired power by 2030.
“When complete, this battery will support reliability and more renewable energy on WA’s main electricity grid.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
“The build of Australia’s biggest battery right here in Collie marks a significant point in the energy transition.
“Collie has been at the heart of WA’s energy system for decades and will continue to play an important role in the future.
“I’m delighted that a local business has been selected to be part of this project, creating local jobs as part of the ongoing support for our community by the Cook Labor government.”
