AGL Announces Construction of Grid-Scale Battery, Takes FID on 250 MW Project

Australia based integrated essential service provider AGL energy has announced that the construction of a 250 megawatt (MW), one-hour duration grid-scale battery at Torrens Island will begin this year, following AGL’s final investment decision (FID) on the project.

South Australia is leading the way in the rollout of AGL’s 850 MW network of grid-scale batteries by the end of FY2024, commented Brett Redman, AGL Managing Director, and CEO.

“We’re excited to be giving the green light to the Torrens grid-scale battery, the first one in the AGL network that is under development, and I’d like to thank Minister van Holst Pellekaan for his support and commitment to this project,” Mr. Redman added.

Speaking of the project, Redman stated, “We put forward our vision for this project less than six months ago, and with the hard work of our team and support from the South Australian government we are now ready to make this a reality.”

Generating more power from wind than any other state, this battery will be instrumental in maintaining a reliable and affordable supply for households and businesses in South Australia in the years ahead.

In addition to this project, AGL is also developing a 200MW battery at its Loy Yang A power station, a 150MW battery at its Liddell power station, and a 50MW battery in Broken Hill as well as supporting grid-scale battery projects including Wandoan, Maoneng, and Dalrymple. 

AGL is targeting full operation of the system by early 2023. The battery has been planned to be capable of an expansion of up to four hours in duration, enabling AGL to adapt to changing market conditions.

AGL Chief Operating Officer Markus Brokhof announced that this battery technology is key to enhancing the energy system’s flexibility while leading Australia’s energy transition and ongoing integration of renewables.

“It is through low emission firming technology, like batteries, that we are continuing to drive AGL’s energy transition and respond to the accelerating market forces of customer demand, community expectation, and the development of technology,” Mr. Brokhof added.

He further concluded, “Our battery program will also support us in achieving the goals and targets set out in our Climate Statement, which includes our target of net zero emissions by 2050, a target we share with the South Australian Government.”

Recently this month, the South Australian government approved a huge project in Goyder South for a 1.8 GW hybrid, plus battery project. The project, once completed, is expected to take the state to a net 100 percent figure for renewable power supplies.