Western Sydney BESS program kicks off
Construction has begun on a Penrith battery energy storage system (BESS) — the first of eight batteries slated for Greater Western Sydney in a program delivered by Endeavour Energy’s Ausconnex division.
These eight batteries will collectively provide about 40 MW of power and 136 MWh of storage: enough energy to power 40,000 homes for up to three hours (based on standard household usage of up to 20 kWh per day).
A sod-turning ceremony for the Penrith BESS was attended by Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe, who said the program would help drive Western Sydney’s energy growth and accelerate the state’s transition to a more reliable, renewable energy system.
“Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most dynamic regions, and we’re building the energy infrastructure now to make sure homes and businesses have access to reliable and affordable renewable energy,” Sharpe said. “Battery storage is already playing a critical role in keeping the lights on when demand is high, and these new projects will help strengthen the energy system as Western Sydney continues to grow.”
Danny Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of the Endeavour Energy Group, emphasised the increasing importance of battery energy storage in supporting growing energy demand.
“The [Western Sydney] batteries are being delivered in some of the fastest-growing communities in Australia, where population growth, new housing and increasing electrification are driving demand,” Cooper said.
“Battery energy storage systems will make better use of renewable energy, provide greater flexibility across the energy system and support the region’s growth for decades to come.”
The Penrith medium-voltage BESS will provide just under 5 MW of power and 17 MWh of storage.
Matthew Porteous, Head of Ausconnex, said the company was focused on working with its partners to turn technologies like battery energy storage into infrastructure that can be delivered at scale to support the region’s rapid growth.
“The benefits of this investment extend well beyond the battery itself. These eight BESS sites will create work for local businesses, contractors and workers right across Western Sydney, and help build the skilled workforce needed to operate and maintain this infrastructure in the years ahead,” Porteous said.
The other seven batteries will be built at South Marsden Park, Seven Hills, Emu Plains, Maldon, North Leppington, Cawdor and Cranebrook. All sites are expected to be completed by 2029, subject to planning approvals.
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