The A$1.6bn ($1.07bn) Collie BESS, WA’s largest grid-connected facility, is scheduled to become operational in 2025 and will be able to supply electricity to 785,000 homes for four hours.
It will complement Synergy’s existing battery systems located in Kwinana.
The construction phase of the BESS is contributing to the local economy, creating 500 jobs in the town of Collie.
WA Energy Minister Reece Whitby stated: “Our government is getting on with the job of securing clean, reliable and affordable power for all Western Australians.
“We know large-scale storage is important in our state because it supports household investment in rooftop solar and will allow us to continue our phased and sensible plan to transition out of coal by 2030.
“By installing these containerised battery systems in Collie, Synergy is one step closer to securing a cleaner energy mix that can provide power to the system when it’s most needed.”
The development is part of the Western Australian government’s broader commitment to the energy transition, which has already seen an investment of A$5.4bn.
The investment aims to supply clean, affordable and reliable energy to the state through the development of new generation, storage and transmission infrastructure.
WA Premier Roger Cook stater7s3d: “The energy transition is powering ahead under our Labor government, setting up WA’s economy for the future.
“The Collie battery will be one of the biggest in Australia, and means we can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy for WA for decades to come.
“Importantly, this big battery keeps Collie at the heart of our energy system, supporting local jobs and ensuring a strong future for the town.”
