CATL bags deals for 700 MW of Synergy's battery projects in WA

September 19 (Renewables Now) - The government of Western Australia on Tuesday announced deals for the purchase of over AUD 1 billion (USD 643.1m/EUR 598.3m) worth of batteries for 700 MW/2,800 MWh of energy storage projects aimed at storing locally produced green power.

Contracts have been awarded to China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (SHE:300750), or CATL to supply about 950 containerised liquid-cooling battery systems and 232 inverters. The equipment will be used for two schemes, namely Kwinana and Collie, both being developed by government-owned energy retailer Synergy.

About 300 EnerC Plus battery units will be installed at the 200-MW/800-MWh Kwinana Battery Stage Two, along with 72 inverters. The project is already under construction, with the energy storage system expected to be commissioned at the end of next year. Its first phase, the 100-MW/200-MWh Kwinana Big Battery, was switched on in May.

For the 500-MW/2,000 MWh Collie battery, CATL will deliver about 650 EnerC Plus units and 160 inverters. Once in operation, the installation will become the largest energy storage site in Western Australia.

Both battery facilities will store electricity generated by wind and solar parks in the Aussie state and inject it back to the grid during periods of high demand.

"We're putting Western Australia on the path to becoming a global green energy superpower, which is good for jobs, good for the environment, and will keep our economy strong into the future," said Premier Roger Cook.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.643/EUR 0.598)