Ampyr Energy takes control of 1 GWh Australian big battery

Renewables developer Ampyr Australia plans to fast track development of a 400 MW/1 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in central New South Wales after buying out former project partner Shell Energy’s stake.
Image: Ampyr Australia

The Ampyr Australia local arm of Singapore-based Ampyr Energy says it has acquired oil major Shell Energy’s 50% stake in the 300 MW/600 MWh first stage of the Wellington BESS being developed near Dubbo, NSW.

Ampyr now owns the 1 GWh project, including its planned 100 MW/400 MWh second stage, with the site under development in the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

Ampyr said it intends to accelerate development of both stages and added phase one has received planning and grid approvals and is in the final stages of procurement and financing.

“We’re grateful for Shell’s contributions to the Wellington BESS project and we are excited about accelerating its development to bring this vital project to market,” said Ampyr Chief Executive Officer Alex Wonhas.

The Wellington project has been under development for almost four years and Ampyr is aiming for energization of stage one in 2026, with the second phase due in 2027.

The Singaporean developer said the BESS, that will connect to Australia’s National Electricity Market grid via network operator TransGrid’s Wellington substation, will complement renewable energy generation assets and the proposed pipeline of renewables projects in the Central West Orana REZ, will smooth fluctuations in electricity supply, and provide system security and other network services.

“Reliable, cost-competitive electricity is a cornerstone of Australia’s economic growth,” Ampyr’s Wonhas said. “Ampyr’s mission is to enable Australia’s future industries to benefit from the clean energy transition.”

Ampyr Australia is targeting 3 GW of energy storage in Australia by 2030. Parent company Ampyr Energy, which is backed by US-based infrastructure investor Stonepeak, is developing 12 GW of projects across seven countries on four continents.

From pv magazine Australia.

Written by

  • David is a senior journalist with more than 25 years' experience in the Australian media industry as a writer, designer and editor for print and online publications. Based in Queensland – Australia’s Sunshine State – he joined pv magazine Australia in 2020 to help document the nation’s ongoing shift to solar.

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