WA state energy company Synergy has broken ground on a new BESS in the town of Collie. Once completed, the system will have a capacity of 500MW/2,000 megawatt-hours, making it one of the largest grid-scale batteries in Australia. 

The project is funded by the WA state government as part of its plan to expand battery energy storage across the region. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. 

This isn’t the first time Synergy has made ambitious efforts to boost battery energy storage in the area. Synergy’s Kwinana Battery Stage One has been sending power to the South West Interconnected System since its completion in May 2023. The company also has a second Kwinana project under construction, which is slated for completion in late 2024. 

Australia’s Energy Minister, Reece Whitby, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: "This is an exciting milestone for Western Australia's decarbonisation journey. Synergy's ground-breaking project is significant for the Collie community and will help local workers and families as Synergy seeks to exit coal-fired power by 2030. 

"When complete, this battery will support reliability and more renewable energy on WA's main electricity grid." 

Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns agreed, emphasising the project’s benefit to the local community in Collie. She said: "The build of Australia's biggest battery right here in Collie marks a significant point in the energy transition. Collie has been at the heart of WA's energy system for decades and will continue to play an important role in the future. 

"I am delighted that a local business has been selected to be part of this project, creating local jobs as part of the ongoing support for our community by the Cook Labor government."