New $500 Million Baldivis Battery Plan Emerges in WA's Green Energy Transition
A significant new player has entered Western Australia's green energy landscape with a major proposal for a $500 million battery energy storage system in Baldivis. This development underscores the accelerating push to build power projects across the state as part of its transition away from coal.
Project Details and Timeline
West Perth-based company RE AU Development Pty Ltd submitted the proposal to the City of Rockingham in January, with the project released for public comment on Monday. The plan involves installing a 250 megawatt, four-hour battery on Doghill Road in Perth's southern suburbs. The company aims to commence construction by the end of this year, targeting completion by 2029.
In the proposal prepared by TBB Planning, RE AU emphasizes that the project will enhance energy security for the region. The submission highlights the State Government's commitment to retiring the taxpayer-owned coal power stations at Muja and Collie by 2030 as part of its net zero carbon emissions strategy.
Addressing Grid Challenges
The proposal notes that the grid faces increased strain in balancing fluctuating supply and demand, leading to potential instability. The Baldivis battery is designed to store solar power generated during the day for use at night, helping to mitigate these issues. Chief executive Tim McLeod, formerly of Amanda Energy, stated that the company is focusing on sites connected to Western Power's existing transmission network to optimize integration.
RE AU Development is majority-owned by CarbonFusion Pte Ltd, a Singapore-registered entity established in 2023. The director is 37-year-old Roy Zhao, who previously led local installer Continuum Solar. This move comes as the State Government intensifies efforts to prepare the grid for the proposed closure of coal power stations by the end of the decade.
Broader Energy Context in WA
Recent developments in WA's energy sector include a draft ruling by the Economic Regulation Authority that will nearly double reliability payments for power stations on the main grid over the two years leading to 2028-29. This is part of the state's reserve capacity system, which provides companies with predictable revenue streams to invest in electricity projects years in advance, aiming to avoid the volatile price movements seen on the east coast.
Despite these measures, spot prices fell by 13 percent in the December quarter, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator. AEMO credited the role of battery storage in helping stabilize prices, with renewables reaching a new high in power generation during this period.
Flood of Major Projects
A surge of major energy projects has been developed in WA in recent years. Government-owned Synergy has led the way with storage plants at Collie and Kwinana. Other significant initiatives include Alinta Energy's battery project at Wagerup and France's Neoen developing a site near Collie. Additionally, companies like China's Trina Solar have submitted proposals, reflecting the competitive and dynamic nature of the state's green energy sector.
This Baldivis battery plan represents a critical step in WA's broader strategy to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future, leveraging advanced storage solutions to support the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources.
