Powering the Future: Australia’s NEM Set to Add 16.8GW of Battery Storage by 2027

Dan Datisky
January 28, 2025

Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) is on the brink of a significant transformation. According to Modo Energy's latest report, we can expect a ninefold increase in large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) by the end of 2027, jumping from the current 2 gigawatts (GW) to an impressive 16.8GW.



State-by-State Breakdown:

  • New South Wales (NSW): Leading the charge with a projected 6GW of BESS capacity.
  • Queensland: Close behind with an anticipated 4.8GW.
  • Victoria: Aiming for 3.9GW.

Collectively, these three states account for 88% of the NEM's annual energy demand, making them pivotal in this energy evolution.

Driving Factors:

The primary catalyst for this surge is the gradual retirement of coal-fired power plants. As these traditional energy sources phase out, there's a pressing need to integrate renewable energy with efficient storage solutions to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.

Notable Projects in the Pipeline:
  • Eraring Power Station (NSW): Set to house a 2.8 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery system, this project is being developed in stages. The first phase, a 460 megawatt (MW) battery with a two-hour duration (920MWh), is slated for completion by late 2025. Subsequent stages will follow, with full operation expected by the end of 2027.
  • Waratah Super Battery (NSW): This 850MW/1,680MWh project is on track to be fully operational by August 2025. Developed by Akaysha Energy, backed by BlackRock, it's poised to be one of the largest batteries in the southern hemisphere.

The Bigger Picture:

The trend isn't just about increasing capacity; it's also about building larger, more efficient batteries. Modo Energy notes that 20 projects, each with a capacity of 300MW or more, are expected to come online by 2028. This move towards bigger batteries underscores the commitment to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Australia's NEM is gearing up for a substantial boost in battery storage capacity, ensuring that as we transition to renewable energy sources, the power supply remains consistent and dependable.

Source: Modo Energy's 2025 NEM Battery Energy Storage Pipeline Report

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