Ampyr, Shell Energy Collaborate for 1,000 MWh BESS

Ampyr Australia Pty Ltd has announced that it has signed an agreement with energy conglomerate Shell Energy Australia to jointly develop a proposed battery energy storage system strategically located in Wellington called ‘the Wellington BESS’ in Central West New South Wales.

Ampyr informed that the target capacity of the Wellington BESS is 500 MW/1,000 MWh that makes it one of the largest battery storage projects in the Australian state. The Wellington BESS will connect to the adjacent TransGrid Wellington substation near the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (Central West Orana REZ).

The official statement by Ampyr held that the BESS project will complement nearby existing renewable energy generation assets as well as the proposed additional generation to be delivered as part of the Central West Orana REZ (Renewable Energy Zone)- the first REZ to be delivered in Australia. It will smooth out fluctuations in electricity supply from intermittent renewable power sources, providing system security benefits and other network services.

The construction of the project is expected to commence in mid-2023. Once operational, Shell Energy will hold the rights to charge and dispatch energy from the Wellington BESS.

Ben Salmon, Director, Ampyr, said the BESS will contribute to the reliability of the National Electricity Market and further advance Australia’s clean energy future. He added, “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. This is great for the economy of Central West NSW.”

Greg Joiner, CEO, Shell Energy, said that Shell Energy is excited to contribute to the growth of firming capacity in regional NSW.

“This partnership with Ampyr signals our commitment to accelerating the energy transition, with this project contributing to improved reliability for the grid and energy consumers in the state. This is another example of how Shell Energy is powering progress in Australia through investment in low-carbon solutions,” Joiner said.

Ampyr Australia Pty Ltd is part of Ampyr Energy which is currently focusing on investing in behind-the-meter and BESS assets. On the other hand, Shell Energy, has emerged as the second-largest electricity provider to commercial and industrial businesses in Australia. Its generation assets include 662 MW of gas-fired peaking power stations in Western Australia and Queensland, which supports the transition to renewables and also the 120-MW Gangarri solar energy development in Queensland.