Canberra Energy Storage Cabinet Battery Project System

The large-scale battery storage system will deliver 250 megawatts (MW) of power, store renewable energy and support grid reliability. This is enough energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods. Behind-the-meter batteries will be installed to help power essential services across nine government sites.

This energy can be saved to use when the sun isn't shining, reducing the site's electricity bills. The Big Canberra Battery project will support a more reliable electricity supply for the ACT. Energy demand can rise and fall throughout the day. Having access to stored electricity can help during peak times.

This 250-megawatt (MW), 500 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) is part of the Big Canberra Battery project and can store enough renewable energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods. The BESS will cost between $300 and $400 million and will be developed, built, and operated by Eku Energy.

Construction will start in late 2024 with completion expected in 2025. The Big Canberra Battery project will provide renewable energy security across the electricity grid, help the Australian Capital Territory grow its renewable energy sector, provide more local employment opportunities, and deliver a positive financial return for the Territory.

Battery storage will play an increasing role in Canberra's electricity grid as we move towards electrifying our city and achieving net zero emissions by 2045. Wind and solar energy make electricity that large-scale batteries can store. Batteries help support the electricity grid when the sun and wind can't.

The Big Canberra Battery will be capable of delivering 250 MW of power – more than a third of Canberra's peak electricity demand. It will be able to deliver this power for two hours. The Big Canberra Battery will have 500 MWh of capacity, which on a single charge could supply 23,400 households with their daily energy use.