The approval enables the system to store excess renewable energy generated during high solar and wind output periods and dispatch it during peak demand, enhancing grid stability and reducing reliance on gas peaker plants during extended periods of supply-demand imbalance.
The project was sized at 8-hours in response to the New South Wales government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and was the first to receive a long-duration energy storage (LDES) Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) as part of the first tender undertaken by AEMO Services.
As reported by Energy-Storage.news, RWE won the government contract in 2023, with the 14-year LTESA designed to encourage the development of storage assets capable of providing extended discharge durations to complement growing renewable energy penetration.
About a year after being awarded the LTESA, RWE reached final investment decision on the Limondale BESS.
Sopna Sury, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said: “This groundbreaking project transforms battery storage in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the development of long-duration energy storage and enhancing the reliability and resilience of the national energy system.”
