EnergyAustralia reaches financial Close on 50MW Hallett BESS

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Australian Electricity generator and retailor, EnergyAustralia has reached financial close for its 50 MW/250 MWh Hallett Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in South Australia. The project, located in the Goyder region, will now move into the delivery phase, with construction set to begin in the coming weeks and commercial operations expected by mid-2027.

According to the company, the first stage of the project will deliver 50 MW of power with 5-hours of storage capacity, equivalent to 250 MWh. The project is being built adjacent to the existing 235 MW Hallett gas-fired power station in the Goyder region, leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize the need for new transmission works and reduce environmental impacts.

Planning approval has been secured for a second-stage expansion of 150 MW, increasing the site’s total approved capacity to 200 MW. The project moved from initial concept to Final Investment Decision in under 2-years.

The battery system will connect through existing infrastructure at the Hallett Power Station, enabling integration with the current grid connection framework.

By using established grid connection equipment, the project reduces the need for additional transmission works and limits new land disturbance. The co-location with the gas-fired plant enables the site to operate as a flexible energy hub, where battery storage can respond quickly to short-term market and system needs while the gas facility continues to provide firm capacity during extended periods of demand.

NHOA Energy has been appointed as the battery integrator and will supply the battery systems and inverters. Enerven will deliver the civil, electrical and construction works.

The Hallett BESS has secured support under the Commonwealth Capacity Investment Scheme, recognizing its role in supporting system reliability. The project forms part of South Australia’s broader shift toward higher shares of variable renewable generation, requiring fast-response storage assets to manage supply variability.

EnergyAustralia has operated in the Hallett, Burra and Jamestown areas for more than 15 years. As part of the BESS project, the company has allocated over AUD 700,000 (approximately USD 460,000) toward community initiatives.

The funding covers local grants, support for emergency services, community battery installations, road upgrades and programs aimed at increasing First Nations participation. It also includes investment in training and skills development to support workforce growth in the region

Once operational, the Hallett BESS is expected to contribute additional dispatchable storage capacity to South Australia’s electricity network, complementing existing generation assets at the site.

Daniel Nugent, EnergyAustralia Trading and Transition Executive said the Hallett BESS builds on the company’s long-standing presence in the region. He added that developing the battery at the existing Hallett site allows the use of established infrastructure, supports local employment, and strengthens grid reliability in South Australia. He added that following financial close, the focus will shift to construction and project delivery, with the battery designed to store excess generation and supply power during peak demand.

Richard Amato, CEO of Enerven said the Hallett BESS will create construction jobs and support long-term energy infrastructure in the Goyder region. He added that the partnership with EnergyAustralia combines local expertise with national delivery capability.