AGL is developing a grid-scale battery in South Australia, as part of plans to roll-out 850 megawatts (MW) of energy storage capacity across the National Energy Market (NEM) by FY24.

Constructed in phases, the battery system will be located at the Torrens Island Power Station with a capacity of up to 250MW and a duration of up to four hours.

“With more renewable generation than any other state, South Australia has been a leading contributor to Australia’s low-emissions future. Wind generation is a major source of energy in South Australia and to ensure its reliability AGL is committed to delivering more firming capacity, last year opening the AGL Barker Inlet Power Station.
“This battery is another step in the state’s energy transition while at the same time allowing a rapid response to changes in renewable generation when our customers and communities need it.
“We know in order to achieve this target, investment in large scale energy storage like grid-scale batteries is critical. We also know this is a future South Australians are also committed to achieving and we believe batteries will play a leading role in this transition.”
Brett Redman, AGL CEO and managing director.

“The battery will help in our efforts to restore the South Australian grid to strength as it is located at a key location in our grid and will help SA meet our aspiration of net-100% renewable energy.
“Big batteries are a key part of our strategy alongside the SA-NSW Interconnector and our home battery roll-out to strengthen our grid and deliver further savings for South Australian households and businesses. A final investment decision on the Torrens Island battery project is subject to the finalization of contracts and approvals and is one of a number of grid-scale batteries AGL is planning to develop, including one beside the Liddell Power Station in NSW.”
Dan van Holst Pellekaan, South Australian energy minister.