Western Australia has something pretty unique—it’s home to the world’s biggest isolated energy grid. And now, it’s making a massive bet on big batteries.
In Perth, a city of two million people, these large-scale batteries are already doing some heavy lifting, at times supplying nearly half the city’s electricity. It’s a huge shift from the days when coal-fired power plants dominated the grid. Instead of relying on fossil fuels 24/7, WA is banking on batteries to store and distribute renewable energy more efficiently.
But while batteries are a game-changer, they’re not a magic fix. The challenge is making sure there’s always enough stored power, even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing.
That’s why some experts say WA still needs backup solutions like gas. Either way, what’s happening here is big—and the rest of the world is paying close attention.
The Transformation of Kwinana
Kwinana used to be all about coal. For years, the area was packed with stockpiles of black fuel, feeding a massive power plant right by the ocean. Coal trains, conveyor belts, and smokestacks defined the landscape, keeping Western Australia’s capital running. That’s changed completely.
Today, that same site is home to rows of giant batteries—silent, clean, and powerful. These batteries are so big they can power half a million homes for hours. Instead of coal smoke, there’s a low hum. Instead of dust and pollution, there’s a spotless, sterile facility storing energy for when it’s needed most.
WA is going all in on large-scale battery storage, and Kwinana is just the start.
- The first big battery, built during COVID, can store 100 megawatts (MW) and run for two hours.
- A second, even bigger battery came online last month—200MW capacity, running for four hours.
- More are being added across WA, with massive installations near Collie.
Western Australia’s bet on batteries is getting attention worldwide. The scale of investment here is huge—from zero large-scale batteries just a few years ago to more than 1,500MW today, with even more on the way.
The Rise of Large-Scale Batteries in WA
Western Australia is going all in on big batteries, scaling up storage like never before. The goal is to keep power reliable as more homes and businesses switch to renewable energy.
Kwinana is already leading the way with two major battery systems. The first, built during the COVID years, has a 100-megawatt (MW) capacity and can run for two hours straight. The second, completed recently, doubles that power—200MW capacity, running for four hours.
That’s just the start. Bigger battery projects are being developed near Collie, a region that’s long been WA’s coal hub. Neoen’s 560MW battery—one of the largest in Australia—was switched on in late 2023. Synergy’s massive battery project is set to go live by October 2024.
By the end of next year, WA’s battery storage capacity will pass 2,000MW, an unprecedented scale for a grid this size. The rest of the world is watching to see how this experiment in large-scale energy storage plays out.
The Role of Batteries in Load Shifting
Batteries are changing how WA manages energy, especially with 40% of households now using rooftop solar.
During the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest, there’s often more electricity being produced than people actually need. That extra energy has to go somewhere, or it gets wasted.
Big batteries step in by soaking up that excess solar power when demand is low. Later, when the sun sets and people come home, turning on lights, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances, the stored energy is fed back into the grid. This helps reduce strain on traditional power sources during the busiest hours of the evening.
Without batteries, managing all this solar energy would be a challenge. The grid would be forced to either shut off solar panels or let energy go to waste.
Large-scale storage makes sure that the power generated during the day actually gets used when it’s needed most.
Batteries vs. Traditional Power Sources
Batteries are great for storing energy, but they don’t generate electricity on their own. Unlike coal or gas plants, which can run for days without stopping, batteries need a steady supply of power to charge up before they can be useful. This is why some experts argue they can’t completely replace traditional energy sources just yet.
Solar and wind energy work well when conditions are right, but they’re unpredictable. Some days, there’s plenty of sun and wind, while other days, production drops.
Batteries help smooth out the gaps, but if there’s an extended period of low solar and wind output, they can only discharge what they’ve stored. Once that energy is used up, the grid needs another source to keep running.
That’s where gas-fired power still plays a role. It acts as a backup for times when renewables aren’t producing enough and battery reserves run low. Without it, keeping the grid stable during long stretches of bad weather would be much harder.
Economic and Logistical Challenges
Switching to large-scale batteries sounds like a great solution, but the costs are massive. These projects require billions in investment, and maintaining them long-term isn’t cheap either.
Batteries also have a lifespan, which means replacing or upgrading them down the line will add even more costs.
Balancing gas reliance and renewable expansion is another challenge. Gas plants are still needed as a backup, but they don’t run as often as they used to. That makes them more expensive to operate since the fixed costs stay the same, but they generate less revenue. The grid needs a way to keep them financially viable while still pushing toward renewables.
Planning for grid stability is crucial as coal plants shut down. Batteries help with short-term storage, but they don’t solve everything.
If renewable energy production dips for days at a time, there needs to be a plan in place to prevent blackouts. Getting that balance right will determine how successful WA’s energy transition really is.
WA’s Leadership in Global Energy Storage
Western Australia is making a name for itself in large-scale battery storage. Energy experts around the world are watching closely, and for good reason. The scale of investment here is huge compared to the size of the grid, something rarely seen in other regions.
Other places, like California, Texas, and the UK, are also pushing battery projects, but WA’s approach stands out. Instead of gradual changes, it’s making a massive leap in storage capacity within just a few years.
Going from no large-scale batteries to over 2,000MW by next year is a level of commitment few have attempted.
If this strategy works, it could become a model for other regions looking to transition away from fossil fuels. The ability to store and manage renewable energy at this scale could shape how grids worldwide handle the shift to cleaner power. The energy industry is paying attention, waiting to see what happens next.
Key Takeaway
WA is making big moves in battery storage, changing the way energy is managed across the grid. Solar power is everywhere now, and these massive batteries help smooth out supply and demand, soaking up extra energy during the day and feeding it back when needed.
That’s good news for the grid, but it doesn’t change the reality of power outages. Fires, storms, and equipment failures still happen, especially in places like the Perth Hills and semi-rural areas where blackouts can last longer.
When the grid goes down, having your own battery storage means the lights stay on, the fridge keeps running, and water pumps work when they’re needed most.
WA’s energy system is evolving fast, but relying on the grid alone comes with risks. A home battery lets you keep control, lower your power bills, and stay prepared for whatever happens next. Offgrid WA can help you get started.
