Big battery gets all-clear to connect to NSW grid, help take it “beyond coal”

Potentia Energy’s 130 megawatt (MW), 260 megawatt-hour (MWh) Ridgey Creek battery has been given the green light to connect to the grid in the Central West region of New South Wales, clearing the way for construction to go ahead.

Potentia, which is co-owned by Italian renewable giant Enel Green Power and Japanese oil company Inpex, announced on Tuesday that it had received its Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the Ridgey Creek BESS from NSW network company Transgrid.

Potential Energy CEO Werther Esposito says clinching the NTP marks a significant step forward for the battery project, which the company bought earlier this year from a developer named Atria Energy.

“This project will play an important role in strengthening reliability of the grid and importantly, enabling more sustainable power for homes and businesses,” Esposito said on Tuesday.

The NTP from Transgrid comes less than a fortnight after the two-hour battery won planning consent from the state government for construction 10km west of Parkes.

Potentia says it can now advance development of the $180 million BESS, subject to taking a final investment decision. Construction is anticipated to get under way later this year, with full operation some time in early 2027.

Esposito says the Ridgey Creek BESS will act as a grid forming battery, providing voltage and frequency support to the NSW power grid, especially during disturbances or outages.

“Ridgey Creek will support the system during faults and establishes a stable reference point for other technologies, paving the way for Australia’s energy future beyond retiring coal fired generation,” said Esposito.

“This project provides the storage that Australia needs and is a perfect complement to our growing portfolio of assets across the country.”