Construction has begun on the Merredin Big Battery – a project that is set to to strengthen and stabilise the State’s main power grid and contribute to Western Australia’s clean energy transition.
The 100-megawatt/four-hour Merredin Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a joint development between Atmos Renewables and Nomad Energy, with construction by GenusPlus.
Positioned alongside the 650-kilometre Muja to Kalgoorlie 220-kilovolt transmission line (the Goldfields Line), it will support energy security for the Wheatbelt and Eastern Goldfields and improve the line’s stability and capacity as the energy transition continues.
The battery adds to the region’s renewable energy projects, including the 222-megawatt Collgar Wind Farm and Risen Energy’s 132-megawatt Merredin Solar Farm.
“Grid-scale batteries play an important role in our clean energy transition, storing excess energy during the day and discharging it at night – helping to stabilise and strengthen our electricity grid,” said Energy and Decarbonisation Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“The Merredin Big Battery will add to our energy armoury, which includes State-owned batteries in Kwinana and Collie, and the Neoen battery also in Collie.
“Together with new transmission lines, wind, solar, and gas generation where needed, they are important elements of the energy grid of the future.
“The Merredin Big Battery will create jobs, benefit First Nations employees and contractors, and contribute to local education initiatives.
“The developers and the community have established a community benefit fund that will financially support local community initiatives throughout the life of the project.”
The Merredin BESS is expected to be commissioned in October 2026.
Since 2023 almost 500 megawatts of battery storage has begun operating in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) with a further 728 megawatts of committed storage expected to become operational in 2025-2026.
The Australian Energy Market Operator recently noted that the SWIS expansion of large-scale battery storage has helped alleviate energy shortfalls.
Merredin BESS developers have established a voluntary community benefit fund to provide financial support for community-based initiatives, projects and events.
Once operational, $20,000 a year will be made available through the Merredin Battery Community Legacy Fund, continuing over the estimated 25-year life of the project, the Government confirmed in a statement.
There are also commitments to local employment, and support for education and First Nations employees, contractors, businesses, and services.
