A mega-battery project in NSW is moving ahead.
Construction is set to begin on the first stage of the Wellington Battery Energy Storage System [BESS] in Central West NSW.
The advance follows the appointment of RJE Global as Balance of Plant (BOP) contractor by Fluence, the project’s EPC partner.
The project, developed by AMPYR Energy, will be built in two stages totalling 500 MW / 1,000 MWh, with Stage One delivering 300 MW / 600 MWh of storage.
Located approximately 3 km north-east of Wellington and connecting to the National Electricity Market via Transgrid’s adjacent 330 kV substation, the system is designed to enhance reliability and flexibility across the grid.
Stage One construction is scheduled to commence in August 2025, with initial energisation expected mid-2026 and full commercial operations by 2027.
Stage Two – adding a further 200 MW / 400 MWh – is anticipated to begin construction in Q2 2026, with completion also in 2027.
RJE Global will deliver construction and integration services across the Wellington 1 site, supporting Fluence’s technology platform in what will become one of the largest utility-scale batteries in regional NSW.
Fluence was selected by AMPYR to lead engineering, procurement, and construction. AMPYR completed its acquisition of Shell’s 50 per cent stake in the project in February 2025, consolidating its position as sole owner.
The development was granted State Significant Development approval by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in December 2023.
The battery will charge from the grid during periods of low demand and discharge during peak usage, providing firming capacity and ancillary services under AEMO’s system operations.
It is also designed to support the integration of variable renewable energy and help reduce wholesale electricity volatility.
“The Wellington BESS will contribute towards supporting Australia’s journey towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future,” said RJE Global in a statement.
The project sits within the Dubbo Regional Council LGA and is part of broader efforts to boost storage infrastructure as renewable penetration increases across the NEM.