Sydney-based company Firm Power is preparing environmental impact statements for batteries at Awaba, Beresfield and Muswellbrook as part of its Hunter Dispatchable Energy System.

The project aims to create a distributed stand-alone battery system for the Hunter region, which balances the grid and supports the future uptake of renewable energy in NSW.

The proposed Awaba Battery Energy Storage System is a 50 megawatt stand-alone battery to be located adjacent to Ausgrid's Awaba Substation at Toronto Street, Awaba.

The Beresfield project would be situated at Weakleys Drive, while the Muswellbrook project would be at Sandy Creek Road.

The batteries will purchase power from the grid while prices are low and sell back while prices are higher.

They will utilise lithium-ion technology batteries installed in prefabricated enclosures similar in size to standard shipping containers.

"Through regulating the availability of energy, the development will have the capacity to store unutilised energy during low demand and enhance the total supply of energy during high demand," a scoping report for the Awaba project on the Department of Planning's website says.

"This will benefit the existing electrical grid, improving the efficiency of electrical generation and providing consumers with a more consistent and reliable supply of energy."

Through its connection to the adjacent substation, the Awaba battery would possess the ability to store power and release it to the network at times of peak demand or critical need.

It would also have the capacity to charge or discharge when power system services are required to maintain the stability of the broader electricity grid. The BESS strengthens the power network by providing greater flexibility in grid management.

Firm Power has recently received approval to build the the Western Sydney Smart Battery, a 20 megawatt battery to be located adjacent to the Penrith Zone Substation.

The Hunter Dispatchable Energy System follows the Beehive Project, a collaboration between Enova Community Energy, Ausgrid and the University of Newcastle. The trial project revolves around a Tesla Megapack which has been installed at the Heddon Greta.

About 500 households are participating in the project which is examining how rooftop solar power and battery storage can operate.

IN THE NEWS:

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: