New South Wales (NSW) has opened its largest-ever energy storage tender, seeking projects that will provide long-duration energy storage to improve electricity reliability and support the state's transition to renewable energy. The NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap Tender 5 is now open for bids from projects that can provide energy storage solutions capable of supplying power to the grid for at least 8 hours.
This significant initiative is a key part of the state’s strategy to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply, particularly as it moves toward its net-zero emissions goals. The tender will support up to 1 gigawatt of long-duration storage projects, which is enough energy to power around 505,000 households for a full day. The goal is to achieve 2 gigawatts of new long-duration storage by 2030.
Long-duration storage is essential for balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. By storing excess energy generated during the day, these projects can release power when demand is high, ensuring a continuous supply of electricity. Technologies eligible for the tender include pumped hydro, batteries, compressed air storage, and other advanced storage solutions.
This is the fifth tender under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, with a particular focus on long-duration storage. Projects can connect to infrastructure in Renewable Energy Zones or to existing infrastructure across the state. Renewable Energy Zones are designated areas with high renewable energy potential, designed to concentrate generation and storage projects and connect them to the grid.
Additionally, the South West Renewable Energy Zone, near Hay, is now open for new projects. Companies can apply for access rights to connect their projects to the grid in this zone, with the potential to generate enough electricity to power over 1.9 million households.
The state expects up to $2.8 billion in private investment in the South West Renewable Energy Zone by 2030, which will create thousands of construction jobs. The projects will be evaluated based on their community engagement and contributions, with successful applicants required to support local job programs.
For more details on how to apply, visit AEMO Services Tender Website.