Synergy’s Collie Battery Energy Storage System is now operational in Western Australia, delivering 500 MW / 2,400 MWh of grid-scale storage. The facility can supply electricity to around 785,000 homes for more than four hours, strengthening grid reliability, enabling greater renewable energy integration, and supporting the State Government’s planned exit from coal generation by 2030.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
Western Australia state-owned integrated energy company, Synergy has completed 500 MW/ 2,400 MWh Collie Battery Energy Storage System (CBESS) in Western Australia, adding large-scale storage capacity to the state’s main electricity network. The facility is one of the largest battery energy storage systems currently operating in Australia.
The CBESS is located in Collie, about 200 km south-east of Perth, on a repurposed Synergy-owned site near the Collie Power Station. The facility will connect to Western Power’s 330 kV Schotts Terminal, located approximately 2.5 km to the north-east. The project has been delivered as part of the Western Australian Government’s program to expand grid-scale storage and support changes in the state’s generation mix.
The previous report showed on BESS originally stated the CBESS capacity was 2000 MWh; however, media statements from both the Western government and Synergy indicate this has been increased to 2,400 MWh.
The CBESS system has delivered flexible operation through 640 battery containers and 160 inverter units, enabling response to frequency support and peak demand management requirements. The system has provided grid services by absorbing excess generation and dispatching stored electricity when required. CBESS has been capable of supplying electricity to about 785,000 homes for more than four hours, subject to demand conditions.
According to the company, the project represents the third grid-scale battery energy storage system delivered by the State Government within just over three years. Along with Synergy’s existing battery facilities in Kwinana, the Collie battery contributes to a combined storage capacity of more than 3500 MWh across the state-owned portfolio. This capacity provides additional operational options for the network operator and supports greater penetration of wind and solar generation.
Roger Cook, Western Australian Premier, said that the CBESS has begun supplying electricity to households and businesses during periods of higher demand. He added that the facility forms part of the State Government’s broader energy infrastructure program focused on expanding large-scale storage capacity.
Amber-Jade Sanderson, Energy and Decarbonization Minister said grid-scale batteries enable the capture of surplus wind and solar generation for later use. She added that battery storage supports higher levels of variable generation on the system and aligns with plans to withdraw state-owned coal-fired power generation by 2030, with potential impacts on electricity market conditions.
Jodie Hanns, Collie-Preston MLA said the Collie battery project supported approximately 500 construction jobs, including roles filled by local workers. She also noted that Collie now hosts two of Australia’s largest operational battery storage facilities, reinforcing the town’s ongoing role within Western Australia’s main electricity network.