Akaysha Energy, a company fully owned by BlackRock, has commenced operations of the initial phase of its Waratah Super Battery project in New South Wales. This development is expected to significantly enhance the state’s energy security. Akaysha Energy specialises in developing and operating energy storage solutions, contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy grid. BlackRock is a multinational investment management corporation focused on providing a range of investment and technology services.
The first 350 megawatts of capacity are now online, with full operation slated for later in the year, according to the NSW government. The battery will function as a “shock absorber,” stabilising the power grid during unforeseen disruptions such as lightning strikes or severe weather events. Furthermore, it will increase the capacity of the state’s current transmission network by enabling power lines serving the Hunter, Sydney, and Illawarra regions to operate at an increased capacity.
Upon completion, the battery will boast a maximum power of 850 megawatts and a storage capacity of 1680 megawatt-hours, providing nearly two hours of full output. Located on the site of the former Munmorah coal power station on the Central Coast, the plant is recognised as the world’s most powerful battery energy storage system, although larger facilities are currently being constructed.
EnergyCo, owned by the NSW government, is responsible for the project’s delivery. Akaysha Energy owns and operates the facility, while Transgrid serves as the network operator. Transgrid CEO Brett Redman noted that the battery is the first of the priority transmission infrastructure projects under the NSW government’s electricity road map.
