Ampyr, Shell to develop 500-MW/1,000-MWh battery project in New South Wales

Global renewable developer and power plants operator Ampyr Energy and oil giant Shell Plc (LON:SHEL) have clinched a deal to develop a 500-MW/1,000-MWh battery energy storage project in New South Wales, Australia.

The duo has signed a joint development agreement for what will be one of the largest battery projects in the Aussie state. Under the pact, Ampyr's local arm and Shell will jointly develop, own and operate the proposed facility, Ampyr Energy said on Thursday.

The Wellington battery energy storage system (BESS) is planned to be installed in the namesake city, located in Central West New South Wales, to complement existing and proposed projects in the Central West Orana renewable energy zone, smooth fluctuations in electricity supply and provide system security and other network services.

The facility will connect to the TransGrid Wellington substation. Once operational, Shell Energy will hold the rights to charge and dispatch the stored electricity.

The project has been under development for over 18 months and is anticipated to enter construction in the middle of next year. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is expected to be released for public consultation later in October.

“It is a very exciting time for renewable energy in Central West NSW, with over 3GW of utility-scale wind and solar operating, in construction and under development,” said Ampyr’s director Ben Salmon.

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