RWE Renewables Australia has successfully registered its 8-hour battery storage system with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). This system, located next to the Limondale solar farm in New South Wales, marks an important step towards a more resilient and cleaner electricity grid.
This is how RWE’s new 8-hour battery works
The installation, consisting of 144 Tesla Megapack Tesla Megapackhas a capacity of 50 MW and 400 MWh. This allows it to store energy generated during the day by renewable sources and release it at times of high demand, thus reinforcing the stability of the region’s power grid.
After completing the construction phase, the Limondale BESS Limondale BESS system has begun testing at retention points. The company expects the battery to be fully operational by the end of this year, in line with project timelines.
Limondale receives strategic state support
This system was the first to be awarded a Long Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) as part of the New South Wales long term storage tender. This award highlights the strategic role of the project within the state’s plans to decarbonize its energy matrix.
Australia is one of the key markets for RWE, which started operations in the country in 2013. The Limondale solar park, where this storage system is storage system, began commercial operation in 2021The Limondale solar farm, where this storage system is integrated, began commercial operation in 2021 and supplies power to more than 100,000 homes. In addition, the company has received the green light for its Theodore wind project in Queensland, with a capacity of up to 1 GW.
A model for future clean energy projects
RWE is not new to energy storage. It currently operates more than 1,200 MW of battery system capacity globally. This new achievement in Australia reinforces its commitment to long-term energy solutions adapted to the challenges of climate change and energy transition.
The development of the Limondale BESS has involved key partners such as Tesla, Beon, Lumea and TransGrid. Their collaboration has been instrumental in cementing this system as the longest grid-scale system in operation in the country.
The success of this project represents a benchmark for future storage developments in Australia. With technologies capable of covering extended periods of supply, the country is moving forward in its ambition to integrate more renewable energy without compromising the security of the electricity system.
Source and photo: RWE
