NSW’s largest grid battery, the Waratah Super Battery, is now active and ready to serve as a buffer against potential blackouts.
Not only will the battery help safeguard the state’s power supply, but it will also increase the capacity for NSW to generate and transmit additional energy, which should lower electricity prices, according to experts.
The battery, situated on the former site of Munmorah coal power plant, has contributed 350MW to the grid since its launch in September.
Waratah’s backup system was activated Friday, making it the largest energy system integrity protection scheme in the nation.
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe emphasized the battery’s importance to the state’s infrastructure, noting its role in powering homes and preventing blackouts.
In situations where power surges occur due to factors like bushfires, lightning, or other disruptions, the battery will automatically stabilize the state’s energy system.
According to Ahmad Ebadi, a senior project manager at Transgrid, the battery continuously monitors 36 transmission lines and can respond within seconds to prevent brownouts.
Once the battery reaches full capacity of 850MW by the end of 2025, more power will be able to be transmitted and used across the state.
