The Waratah Super Battery has reached full operation in New South Wales, bringing one of the world’s most powerful grid-scale batteries online at its complete 850 MW / 1,680 MWh capacity.
Built on the site of the former Munmorah coal-fired power station on the Central Coast, the battery is designed to strengthen grid reliability and provide additional security as more renewable energy enters the NSW electricity system.
At maximum output, the project has enough capacity to supply the equivalent of around 340,000 NSW homes during periods of peak demand.
A “Shock Absorber” for the NSW Grid
Unlike a conventional battery used primarily for energy trading, Waratah has been designed as a major grid-security asset.
It operates as part of a System Integrity Protection Scheme, which monitors the transmission network and can rapidly respond when faults occur, including outages caused by events such as lightning strikes, fallen trees or bushfires.
In a network emergency, the battery can quickly discharge power to stabilise the system and maintain electricity supply while other parts of the grid respond.
Transgrid’s control system monitors key transmission infrastructure across NSW and can automatically trigger the battery when required.
850 MW of Power and 1,680 MWh of Storage
The project combines:
- 850 MW of maximum power output
- 1,680 MWh of energy storage
- Large-scale battery infrastructure
- Advanced network control systems
- Upgrades to existing transmission lines and substations
EnergyCo describes the project as more than a standalone battery, with the storage system working alongside paired generation arrangements and network upgrades to increase the amount of electricity that can safely flow into Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Built on Former Coal Power Station Site
Construction of the battery began at the former Munmorah Power Station site in May 2023, with the main battery infrastructure completed in October 2024.
The project entered partial operation in 2025 while testing and commissioning continued.
Around half of its capacity initially operated as a grid “shock absorber”, before additional capacity was progressively brought online during 2026.
The latest milestone means the battery can now operate at its full approved capacity.
Around 1,000 People Involved in Delivery
Approximately 1,000 people were involved in the design and construction of the project, including about 170 workers at the Munmorah site.
The battery was commissioned by NSW Government infrastructure planner EnergyCo and developed and operated by Akaysha Energy.
Transgrid delivered associated network upgrades and acts as network operator for the broader Waratah Super Battery system.
Those works include upgrades to existing transmission infrastructure and the control technology required for the battery to respond automatically to grid events.
Supporting More Renewable Energy
The battery is intended to help NSW accommodate increasing volumes of wind and solar generation while maintaining grid stability as older coal-fired generation gradually retires.
The NSW Government says installed battery storage capacity in the state has increased substantially in recent years, alongside rapid growth in large-scale solar and wind generation.
Waratah’s role differs from many other grid batteries because a significant portion of its capacity is reserved for network security rather than routine energy-market operation.
Transgrid says the system allows greater use of existing transmission infrastructure by increasing the amount of electricity that can safely be transferred into the major Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong load centres.
With full commissioning now complete, the Waratah Super Battery will operate as a major grid-security asset while also supporting NSW’s transition toward a higher share of renewable generation.
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