Connecting Cunderdin Solar and Collie BESS Our stories
In March 2025 Western Power connected two major renewable battery projects, bolstering network capacity and working directly towards a cleaner energy future. These achievements were the result of the excellent work, dedication, and collaboration of our teams, and strong relationships with our major customers Neoen and GPG along with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). On 5 March, the Cunderdin Hybrid PV Solar & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) – the first of its kind connected to the network – was successfully commissioned and became commercially operational. On Friday 21 March, Stage 2 of Neoen’s Collie Battery was energised, marking an important step toward its full operation. Collie Neoen Battery on Kaniyang land • We played a key role in connecting this grid-scale battery that connects to the SWIS through our new Palmer Terminal transmission substation • Stage 1 is a 4-hour 219MW/877MWh battery which became operational in October 2024 • Stage 2 is a 4-hour 341MW/1,363MWh which was energised on 21 March 2025 and is set to become operational towards the end of 2025 • Can charge and discharge 20% of the average demand in the SWIS • Supports household investment in rooftop solar and helps to stabilise the grid with an emergency response mode to prevent outages, maintain voltage and frequency levels and support the transition to retire coal power plants.
As network operator our work is crucial to enabling the transition to a renewable future and these projects set the scene to connect more renewables to our network. Batteries are key in the energy transition to a decarbonised economy, playing a crucial role in balancing supply and demand. By storing energy during periods of lower demand and discharging it when needed, batteries help to stabilise the grid and support the increased penetration of renewable energy. Renewables now make up 40% of total energy in the grid. These transformative projects are evolving the way we manage the network and cement our critical role in the energy future.
Solar/BESS hybrid at Cunderdin on Balladong land • First large hybrid solar plus BESS generator in WA • Focus on shifting solar into the evening peak rather than providing frequency and other grid support services • Project involved proponent building 2km of new transmission line, a new Western Power switchyard, and three new communication towers, which we will manage and maintain • Established a new model for customer-led design and construction, which has now been replicated in other projects.
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Western Power Annual Report 2025
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