Case Study
New England BESS Project
200 MW grid-scale battery storage providing critical firming capacity for NSW's renewable energy grid, supported by the NSW Emerging Energy Program.
Project Overview
The New England Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a 200 MW grid-scale battery project in the New England region of NSW. It forms part of ACEN Australia's New England Solar farm development near Uralla.
Stage 1 of the solar farm (400 MW) is already operational, and Stage 2 (320 MW) plus this 200 MW/2-hour battery commenced construction in 2024. Once complete, the New England Solar & BESS will provide critical firming capacity to dispatch renewable power during peak demand.
Key Metrics
- Battery Capacity: 200 MW / 2-hour duration
- Solar Farm Total: 720 MW (Stage 1 + 2)
- Storage Duration: 400 MWh
- Grid Support: NSW Emerging Energy Program
My Role
As Project Planning Manager for ACEN's renewable projects, I am responsible for the integrated schedule of the New England Stage 2 and BESS construction:
- Coordinating closely with EPC contractors and transmission providers
- Sequencing battery installation, substation tie-in, and commissioning
- Managing risk through detailed planning and contingency strategies
Challenges & Solutions
A major focus is on risk management—for example, mitigating any delays in battery inverter delivery by resequencing civil works. I leverage detailed planning tools to ensure the BESS is delivered in time to leverage the Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) the project secured.
By balancing the needs of our organisation and the client (the NSW Government program), I help deliver great outcomes for both: a smooth project delivery that supports grid goals while maximising benefits for ACEN.