AGL breaks ground for 50MW grid-scale battery

It is expected to start operations by mid-2023.

Australia’s AGL started construction of its $41m grid-scale batter-based energy storage system (BESS) at Broken Hill with a capacity of 50-megawatt (MW), 50-megawatt hour.

In a statement, AGL said the battery which is in partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency will be operational by 2023.

READ MORE: AGL, ARENA to study thermal battery development in Australia

The Broken Hill battery will provide system strength services in weak parts of the grid, and improve the stability of the wider electricity network.

AGL General Manager Energy Hubs, Travis Hughes, said at the official sod-turning ceremony that the construction marks progress towards its goal of achieving five gigawatts of wind, battery, pumped hydro, and other low carbon firming projects by 2030.