EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Williamsdale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has been commissioned in Australia's Capital Territory, completing the Big Canberra Battery project. Developed by Eku Energy, the 250 MW/500 MWh facility uses Tesla Megapack 2 XL batteries and can supply enough electricity to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand.
Click here for a quick project snapshot
Eku Energy, a global battery energy storage developer and operator, has commissioned the 250 MW/500 MWh Williamsdale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), marking the completion of the Big Canberra Battery project. The company announced the milestone on 5 November 2026 following a commissioning celebration attended by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Caitlin Tough MLA, Taimus Werner-Gibbings MLA, industry partners and guests. The facility can store enough electricity to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods.
The Williamsdale BESS is designed to support the ACT electricity network and strengthen energy security and reliability across the ACT and New South Wales. The project uses Tesla Megapack 2 XL batteries and was delivered with Consolidated Power Projects serving as Eku Energy's balance of plant contractor. Evoenergy participated as the electricity distribution network service provider, while the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) supported the grid connection approval process.
Eku Energy Chief Operating Officer Tom Best confirmed that the facility had been commissioned and was ready to support the ACT's long-term electricity requirements. He acknowledged the contribution of delivery partners throughout the project's nearly two-year delivery period.
Alongside commissioning, Eku Energy highlighted its Powering Big Dreams community benefit sharing programme. The company has distributed AUD 500,000 to nine local organisations working in environmental sustainability, education and social connectedness. Recipients include Southern ACT Catchment Group, Fearless Women, St Vincent de Paul Society, Rise Above Cancer Relief, YWCA Canberra, The Stellar Company, Australian River Restoration Center, OzHarvest and Canberra Environment Centre.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the commissioning marked the completion of the Big Canberra Battery project as the territory progresses towards electrification and its net-zero emissions target for 2045. He also acknowledged Eku Energy's investment in community organisations and the project's contribution to electricity system reliability.
The Williamsdale project also builds on the ACT Government's collaboration with the Australian National University (ANU). An ANU-led workshop contributed to the development of the Big Canberra Battery programme, which was co-designed with the community.
Eku Energy has subsequently provided AUD 500,000 to ANU's Centre for Energy Systems to examine the role of utility-scale batteries and improve public understanding of their benefits and challenges.
With commissioning completed, the Williamsdale BESS is positioned to support electricity requirements during peak demand periods. The project combines large-scale battery storage infrastructure with community funding and university research, reflecting the wider objectives of the ACT's Big Canberra Battery programme.