Think HBR

Former Liddell site powers Hunter’s clean energy future

AGL Liddell
With backing from the Federal and NSW Governments, the giant Liddell Battery, built on the site of one of Australia’s largest retired coal-fired power stations, is gearing up to provide enough power to support around 200,000 homes on the nation’s main electricity grid within months.
 
Located on the site of the former Liddell Power Station, the battery shows how the Hunter can continue its proud role powering Australia, while creating the infrastructure needed for a cleaner, more reliable energy system.
 
Backed by $35 million from the Federal Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Liddell Battery is part of a plan to deliver reliable renewable energy and support jobs in regional Australia.
 
The NSW Labor Government backed the project with a longterm contract for revenue underwriting under a Long Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) awarded in November 2023.
 
The NSW Government also funded more engineers to speed up grid connections to the battery.
 
At the peak of construction, more than 600 workers were involved in the project.
 
With construction of the 500 MW/1000 MWh battery now complete, commissioning is underway with a target for the battery to be operational by mid-year.
 
The battery will help keep the grid stable and reliable and as more renewable energy comes online.
 
Charged by renewable energy during the day when it is abundant and dispatching it when demand is high, it will provide firming capacity to the National Electricity Market (NEM) by helping to balance supply and demand and supporting grid reliability.
 
This is what a Future Made in Australia looks like in practice, with the significant employment of apprentices, local procurement – including 95% of steel being sourced locally – and working with First Nations businesses.

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