Riverina BESS, NSW’s largest battery storage system begins operations

The Federation Asset Management Pty Ltd (Federation) and Edify Energy Pty Ltd (Edify) on Monday, Oct. 9 announced that they have begun operations of New South Wales' largest battery energy storage system (BESS) -- Riverina BESS. 

The 150MW/300MWh Riverina BESS utilizes Tesla mega-packs and is capable of supporting 240,000 homes with 2 hours of electricity during peak times and critical stabilization services to the transmission grid. Located in Wiradjuri Country, the largest Aboriginal Nation in New South Wales, Riverina BESS, consists of three independent but co-located units with its output contracted to Shell Energy and EnergyAustralia for 10 years.

"As the nation's aging coal plants retire, the need for energy storage becomes ever more pressing. Advanced grid-forming batteries like the Riverina BESS are critical to extracting the maximum capacity from our existing grid infrastructure, allowing timely integration of additional wind and solar generation into the NEM while our grid infrastructure is upgraded," said Stephen Panizza, co-founder and head of renewable energy at Federation.

"Advanced inverter technologies are a superior solution to challenges in the grid than legacy systems. Providing this solution to our electricity system will benefit energy users across the NEM. We plan to accelerate our roll-out of large-scale energy storage," Panizza added.

The collaborative project is designed and developed by Edify with Federation owning 90% and Edify owning the balance 10% along with the responsibility for the long-term operational asset management of the facility. 

"The potential for battery storage technology is immense. It is a key part of the clean energy transition and goes hand in glove with harnessing and firming Australia's abundant renewable resources," said John Cole, Chief Executive of Edify.

"This new system in the Riverina elevates the playing field with innovative firming technology ironing out the variable output of wind and solar, delivering affordable and reliable electricity to NSW homes and businesses."

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) provided $6.6m in funding for the Riverina battery storage project. The NSW Government provided an additional $6.5 million in funding for the battery, as part of its $75 million Emerging Energy Program.