Released 05/09/2025
Canberra’s clean energy future is one step closer with the Big Canberra Battery transformer delivered to the Williamsdale site this week.
The transformer ensures electricity stored in the battery is converted to the correct voltage to be safely supplied to the grid. This allows renewable energy to flow to homes and businesses across Canberra when demand is high and solar generation drops.
The Big Canberra Battery will deliver at least 250 megawatts of power, enough stored renewable energy to supply one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand. It will help keep the lights on, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support the ACT’s transition to net-zero emissions.
“The Big Canberra Battery will keep the lights on while driving down emissions, giving Canberrans confidence that clean energy can meet our needs well into the future,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“With this project, Canberra is at the forefront of Australia’s clean energy transition, and the economic development opportunities that this offers, encouraging further investment and demonstrating how a city can reduce reliance on fossil fuels while improving energy security.
“It shows how we are turning our climate commitment, of net zero green-house gas emissions by 2045, into real infrastructure that delivers direct benefits to the community."
In partnership with Eku Energy, construction is underway on concrete bases for the batteries and the main switching building. The large-scale battery energy storage system is on track to be operational in 2026.
The ACT Government will receive a 50 per cent share of the net revenue generated from the battery’s participation in the National Electricity Market. This investment provides a financial return to the Government balance sheet, supports 150 local jobs at peak construction in the emerging clean energy sector and improves energy security for Canberrans.
“By investing in the Big Canberra Battery, we are delivering clean, reliable power and creating jobs for our community, ensuring the financial and energy security benefits of this project are shared across Canberra.”
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Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases