Lumea, part of the Transgrid Group, has helped deliver a major step in NSW's transition to a cleaner energy future, with the full commercial operation of the Liddell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Storage
Lumea connects AGL’s Liddell Battery in major step in NSW clean energy transition
As the grid connection delivery partner, Lumea has provided end-to-end support for the project, including the design, construction, testing and commissioning of the network infrastructure required to connect the battery to the National Electricity Market.
The Liddell BESS repurposes the existing energy infrastructure located next to the former Liddell coal-fired power, which closed in 2023 after 50 years of operation.
The battery will help deliver reliable, dispatchable energy, improve grid stability, support the increasing uptake of renewable generation and ensure the Hunter region continues to play a critical role in powering NSW.
Lumea Executive General Manager Craig Stallan said the achievement demonstrates the strong progress being made in the state’s clean energy transition.
“Projects like this depend on getting the connection right. We worked closely with AGL, AEMO and Transgrid to ensure the network infrastructure was ready to support full commercial operation,” Mr Stallan said.
“The Liddell Battery gives the state’s power system the flexibility it needs by storing energy when it is available and supplying it when it is needed. That capability becomes increasingly important as the generation mix rapidly evolves.
“Lumea’s specialist expertise in the connection process and building the infrastructure delivers the confidence our customers require for a successful project.”
The BESS was supported by a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the NSW Government with a Long Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) to incentivise private investment in long duration storage.
Further NSW Government support was provided to Transgrid and AEMO to fund more engineers to fast track the project.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Network Jason Krstanoski said the start of full commercial operations confirmed the battery is now delivering grid-scale energy storage services at its intended operating capacity.
“The Hunter has a long history of powering NSW and projects like the Liddell Battery show how existing energy infrastructure can continue supporting the state's future energy needs,” Mr Krstanoski said.
"The successful delivery of the Liddell BESS to full commercial operations strengthens our state’s energy security as we accelerate towards a renewable energy future."
For more information about the Liddell BESS project, visit: https://www.agl.com.au/about-agl/operations/liddell-battery
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