Gigantic Batteries Compete for Space in Renewable Zones Facing Capacity Crunch

Australia's renewable energy projects are scaling up rapidly, with several new massive battery storage facilities on the horizon. This week, a record-breaking project in Australia has expanded from 50 gigawatts to 70 gigawatts—equivalent to powering the country's entire main grid! The Western Green Energy Hub in WA and Sun Cable in the NT are among the projects that, while outside the main grid, are designed to produce electricity and ammonia for export.

Iron ore magnate Andrew Forrest is spearheading two massive battery projects in NSW's southwest. Forrest’s Gol Gol and Koorakee projects include battery storage facilities exceeding 12 gigawatt hours—nearly 100 times the size of Australia's original Hornsdale big battery.

The 560 MW, 2240 MWh Collie battery in WA, currently under construction by Neoen, will soon claim the title of Australia's largest. It dwarfs Neoen's previous record-holders, highlighting the country’s urgent push towards its 82% renewable target for 2030.

Forrest’s Gol Gol project, boasting 1,500 MW and 12,000 MWh capacity, signals a shift toward mid-duration storage, overtaking pumped hydro’s former niche. Similarly, Koorakee aims for even longer-duration storage, envisioning 1 GW with 12 GWh—enough to provide stable, overnight storage and flatten peak demands.