Energy Vault secures approval for 1 GWh, eight-hour battery in Australia

US-based Energy Vault has secured planning approval from the New South Wales state government for its Stoney Creek BESS near Narrabri, about 525 km northwest of Sydney, opening the way for construction.

Site works and mobilization are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with commercial operations expected in the first half of 2028. Once the project is operating, Energy Vault plans to use its VaultOS energy management platform to optimize asset performance, market participation and lifecycle operations.

The project will deploy about 191 containerized lithium-ion battery units and 64 inverters, providing eight hours of storage. It will connect to the nearby Narrabri 132/66 kV substation and occupy a site of about 1.6 hectares. Enervest, an Australian-owned company specializing in the design, delivery and operation of BESS, will develop the project.

The LTESA was awarded through AEMO Services Limited under the New South Wales Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Energy Vault expects the agreement, together with merchant revenues, to support about AUD 36 million ($25 million) to AUD 43 million in annual recurring revenue once the battery is operational.

Energy Vault Chief Revenue Officer Marco Terruzzin said Stoney Creek is the company’s build, own and operate strategy in action.

“We are progressing a large-scale storage project toward delivery while retaining the long-term economics through ownership and operation,” Terruzzin said. “Once operational, Stoney Creek is expected to provide critical dispatchable capacity to New South Wales while contributing recurring revenue to Energy Vault.”

Enervest Chief Executive Officer Ross Warby said achieving planning approval is a significant milestone for Enervest and Energy Vault.

“Clear planning pathways help bring forward investment in the infrastructure [New South Wales] needs for a reliable electricity supply. We also acknowledge AEMO Services for its leadership in supporting long-duration storage,” said Warby.

From pv magazine Australia