$65m+ Battery Energy Storage for Western Sydney
PENRITH, NSW – The Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage joined Karen McKeown, Member for Penrith, today, to turn the first sod at the Penrith Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Penrith is the first site to start construction under a privately funded program worth more than $65 million, delivered by Ausconnex, part of the Endeavour Energy Group. The program will see batteries built at eight sites across Greater Western Sydney, with more projects in development.
Together, the eight batteries will provide about 40 megawatts (MW) of power and 136 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage, enough energy to power 40,000 homes for up to three hours. *
Minister Sharpe said the program would help drive Western Sydney’s energy growth, and accelerate the state’s transition to a more reliable, renewable energy system.
“Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most dynamic regions, and we’re building the energy infrastructure now to make sure homes and businesses have access to reliable and affordable renewable energy. Battery storage is already playing a critical role in keeping the lights on when demand is high, and these new projects will help strengthen the energy system as Western Sydney continues to grow,” Minister Sharpe said.
“This investment shows real confidence in Western Sydney’s future and will help support the region’s growth for decades to come.”
NSW now has more than one million rooftop solar systems. Batteries store that energy while the sun is up and release it during periods of high demand, when homes and businesses need it the most.
Danny Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of the Endeavour Energy Group, said battery energy storage would play an increasingly important role in supporting growing energy demand.
“The batteries are being delivered in some of the fastest-growing communities in Australia, where population growth, new housing and increasing electrification are driving demand,” Mr Cooper said.
“Battery energy storage systems will make better use of renewable energy, provide greater flexibility across the energy system and support the region’s growth for decades to come.”
The Penrith medium-voltage BESS is the first project in the portfolio to enter construction. It will provide just under 5 MW of power and 17 MWh of storage.
Matthew Porteous, Head of Ausconnex, said the start of construction at Penrith marked an important milestone for the broader battery storage program.
“Ausconnex is focused on working with our partners to turn technologies like battery energy storage into infrastructure that can be delivered at scale to support the region’s rapid growth,” he said.
“The benefits of this investment extend well beyond the battery itself. These eight BESS sites will create work for local businesses, contractors and workers right across Western Sydney, and help build the skilled workforce needed to operate and maintain this infrastructure in the years ahead.”
The eight BESS will be built at Penrith, South Marsden Park, Seven Hills, Emu Plains, Maldon, North Leppington, Cawdor and Cranebrook. All sites are expected to be completed by 2029, subject to planning approvals.
*Based on standard household usage of up to 20kWh per day
For media enquiries, to arrange an interview, photos or video footage please contact:
Anita Catalano
Communications Manager
0447 810 343
