PLUS Grid Storage has achieved another major milestone in its mission to strengthen the State’s energy future, with planning approval granted for its second grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) project.
The Homebush BESS project is currently designed for 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage capacity. The Homebush BESS project is currently designed for 400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage capacity.
The approval builds on the momentum of PLUS Grid Storage's growing portfolio with the Steel River East battery project in Newcastle expected to be completed in the final quarter of 2027.
Together, these projects represent the first stages of PLUS Grid Storage's broader portfolio of strategically located battery energy storage systems designed to support the reliability, resilience and sustainability of electricity network in NSW.
Executive in Charge of PLUS Grid Storage, Kelly Wood, said the approval marks another important step towards delivering the storage infrastructure needed to support the state's energy transition.
"Grid-scale batteries are essential to Australia's energy transition, enabling renewable energy to be stored when it is abundant and dispatched when customers need it most,” she said.
"We're proud to be progressing a pipeline of strategically located storage projects that will strengthen the electricity network and support homes, businesses and communities across NSW.”
In addition to the Newcastle and Homebush projects, several battery energy storage projects are currently progressing through the planning process. All projects are being assessed via the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway and include projects across Sydney, Newcastle and Hunter Central Coast.
The proposed projects are located close to existing electricity network infrastructure, helping accelerate delivery and supporting reliable electricity supply for homes and businesses.
“Once the program is fully realised, PLUS Grid Storage's grid-scale battery assets will provide up to 1 GW of storage capacity by 2031- enough energy to power around 230,000 homes and businesses,” Ms Wood said.
"Together, these projects represent a significant investment in our energy future and will play an important role in supporting a cleaner, more flexible and reliable energy system for everyone.”
PLUS Grid Storage will continue to engage with local communities, councils, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders as projects progress through planning, development and delivery.
The Homebush BESS project is being supported by the NSW Government’s Energy Security Corporation as part of its $100 million investment in PLUS Grid Storage’s battery platform across Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter Central Coast.