Introduction

EnergyAustratia recognises that the proposed site for the Mt Piper battery energy storage system is on the traditional Country of the Wiradjuri peoples and respects and acknowledges their continued connection to Country and culture.

We are progressing the development of a new battery energy storage system, (BESS) on a preferred site adjacent to our operating Mt Piper power station, near Lithgow.

The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has provided planning approval following the exhibition of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement in mid-2024.

 

Visual representation of the proposed Mt Piper BESS

About the Mt Piper Battery Energy Storage System

The Mt Piper BESS proposed to utilise nearby, existing electricity infrastructure to develop a grid-scale battery with a capacity to dispatch up to 500 MW of power to the electricity network over a duration of up to four hours.

BESS is an energy storage system that can capture energy from multiple different sources, accumulate that energy, and store it for later use. Energy is discharged from the battery to meet demand when needed. Lithium is one of the leading materials used in grid scale battery projects due to its light weight, durability, and low maintenance needs; however, the final battery composition for this project is yet to be determined.

Building a BESS adjacent to the Mt Piper power station (within existing EnergyAustralia landholdings) is anticipated to have low environmental and social impacts. The project will also avoid the need to construct lengthy new overhead power lines across private land due to its proximity to existing network infrastructure.

Next steps

This energy storage technology has great potential to help supply the people of New South Wales with a reliable source of electricity when demand is high. It will also support renewable energy development and could help to sustain Lithgow’s future as an energy hub. Energy storage projects are an important part of the national transition to a more secure and reliable energy future.

EnergyAustralia will now press ahead with planning for the construction of the project with a final investment decision expected in mid 2026.

For more information on the Mt. Piper BESS, please contact us on:
 

Email : community@EnergyAustralia.com.au
Phone: 1800 574 947
Postal Address: EnergyAustralia NSW Pty Ltd, 350 Boulder Road, Portland NSW 2847.