Eku Energy gives Australian National University $326,000 for battery research

Eku Energy, the London-headquartered joint developer of the 250 MW/500 MWh Williamsdale battery energy storage system (BESS), has committed AUD 500,000 to the battery storage and grid integration (BSGI) program at Australian National University (ANU).

The cash will support R&D activity to enhance future uptake and integration of battery storage technology.

ANU Centre for Energy Systems co-director, and BSGI Head Heather Logie, said the ANU program is a critical contributor to Australia’s energy security.

“Research funding in this area helps ensure we remain at the forefront of advancing technology for a clean energy future,” she said. “These initiatives reflect Eku Energy’s commitment to delivering shared benefits that go beyond the project itself, fostering long-term value for Canberrans and Australia.”

The estimated AUD 400 million Williamsdale BESS is jointly owned by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) state government and Eku, a subsidiary of Macquarie Asset Management and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation. The project is 40 km south of Canberra and is part of the ACT government’s Big Canberra Battery project. It will store enough clean energy to power a third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the state’s partnership with Eku is a win for the environment and Canberra and forms a key part of Australia’s clean energy future. “The project highlights the ACT government’s commitment to innovative, environmentally friendly energy solutions that will power our city for generations to come while shielding our community from energy price volatility,” said Barr.

Eku Energy Chief Operating Officer Tom Best said the company is pleased to be delivering on a pipeline of Australian projects together with trusted partners including the Australian Energy Market Operator, Evoenergy, and Tesla Energy.

“We are excited to be delivering this project for the territory with Consolidated Power Projects, who share our business philosophy in safety and innovation,” Best said. “Our combined experience will play an important role in the delivery of a critical energy asset that Canberrans can trust to achieve greater energy security.”

Eku has established an AUD 500,000 Williamsdale BESS community grants program for eligible local, non-profit organisations, focusing on employment, education, social connections, and environment initiatives.

From pv magazine Australia.