AMPYR and Shell Energy to jointly develop, own and operate a 500 MW / 1,000 MWh battery energy storage system in Wellington, New South Wales
[Sydney, 14 October 2022] AMPYR Australia Pty Ltd (AMPYR) and Shell Energy Australia (Shell Energy) have signed a joint development agreement for a proposed battery energy storage system strategically located in Wellington (the Wellington BESS), Central West New South Wales (NSW).
The target capacity of the Wellington BESS is 500 MW / 1,000 MWh, making it one of the largest battery storage projects in NSW. The Wellington BESS will connect to the adjacent TransGrid Wellington substation, adjacent to the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (Central West Orana REZ). It will complement nearby existing renewable energy generation assets as well as the proposed additional generation to be delivered as part of the Central West Orana REZ. The Wellington BESS will smooth out fluctuations in electricity supply from these new intermittent power sources, providing system security benefits and other network services.
The Wellington BESS has been under development for over 18 months and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is expected to be released for public consultation later this month.
The Wellington BESS project is being jointly developed by AMPYR and Shell Energy. Subject to securing all relevant approvals, authorisations and financing, construction is expected to commence in mid-2023. Once operational, Shell Energy will hold the rights to charge and dispatch energy from the Wellington BESS.
“AMPYR is proud to be partnering with Shell Energy on the Wellington BESS, which will be one of the largest battery storage projects in NSW, contributing to the reliability of the National Electricity Market and further advancing Australia’s clean energy future,” Ben Salmon, AMPYR’s Director said.
“It is a very exciting time for renewable energy in Central West NSW, with over 3GW of utility-scale wind and solar operating, in construction and under development. This is great for the economy of Central West NSW. AMPYR is proud that the Wellington BESS will boost growth in regional NSW and form a critical part of the new energy future for the region,” Mr. Salmon continued.
Shell Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Greg Joiner said Shell Energy is excited to contribute to the growth of firming capacity in regional NSW.
“This partnership with AMPYR signals our commitment to accelerating the energy transition, with this project contributing to improved reliability for the grid and energy consumers in the state. This is another example of how Shell Energy is powering progress in Australia through investment in low-carbon solutions,” Mr Joiner said.
About AGP Sustainable Real Assets and AMPYR Energy
AGP Sustainable Real Assets (AGP) is an asset development and investment management group, investing in, developing and operating sustainable infrastructure. AGP established AMPYR Energy, its global renewable energy platform, to accelerate a net-zero greenhouse emissions future and respond to the rapid changes in the energy sector worldwide.
Headquartered in Singapore, with operations and assets in Australia, India, Europe/the United Kingdom and the United States, AMPYR Energy provides low-cost renewable power, battery storage and other network and non-network solutions to customers.
AMPYR Australia Pty Ltd (AMPYR) is part of AMPYR Energy and is currently focused on investing in behind-the-meter and BESS assets.
For more info visit: www.ampyrenergy.com and www.agpgroup.com
About Shell Energy
Shell Energy is Shell’s renewables and energy solutions business in Australia, helping its customers to decarbonise and reduce their environmental footprint.
Shell Energy delivers business energy solutions and innovation across a portfolio of electricity, gas, environmental products and energy productivity for commercial and industrial customers, while our residential energy retailing business Powershop, acquired in 2022, serves more than 185,000 households and small business customers in Australia.
As the second-largest electricity provider to commercial and industrial businesses in Australia[1], Shell Energy offers integrated solutions and market-leading[2] customer satisfaction, built on industry expertise and personalised relationships. The company’s generation assets include 662MW of gas-fired peaking power stations in Western Australia and Queensland, supporting the transition to renewables, and the 120MW Gangarri solar energy development in Queensland.
For more info visit: www.shellenergy.com.au
Shell Australia Media
Mobile: + 61 417 007 344
Download press release[1] By load, based on Shell Energy analysis of publicly available data.
[2] Utility Market Intelligence (UMI) survey of large commercial and industrial electricity customers of major electricity retailers, including ERM Power (now known as Shell Energy) by independent research company NTF Group in 2011-2021