Major Australian energy generator-retailer EnergyAustralia has reached financial close on its 250MWh Hallett battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Australia.
The project, located in the Goyder region, will now move into the delivery phase, with construction set to begin in the coming weeks and commercial operations expected by mid-2027.
The Hallett BESS will be built alongside EnergyAustralia’s existing 235MW gas-fired Hallett Power Station, leveraging existing infrastructure to minimise the need for new transmission works and reduce environmental impacts.
EnergyAustralia confirmed the first stage of the project will deliver 50MW of power with five hours of storage, equivalent to 250MWh of capacity. Planning approval is already in place for a second stage, which would expand the system to 200MW/1,000MWh.
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The Hallett BESS is expected to enter the delivery phase in the coming weeks with commercial operations slated for mid-2027. It should also be noted that the BESS secured support under the Australian government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in 2024.
By operating alongside the existing gas-fired power station, the Hallett BESS will provide fast, flexible storage to complement renewable energy generation while enabling the gas plant to deliver firm capacity during sustained demand periods.
The BESS will connect to the grid and the wider National Electricity Market (NEM) through existing equipment at the Hallett Power Station, further reducing costs and environmental impacts.
Daniel Nugent, EnergyAustralia’s trading and transition executive, emphasised the project’s importance to the company’s broader energy transition strategy.
“This project shows how existing sites can play an important role in the energy transition,” Nugent said.
“By building the battery at Hallett, we’re making use of infrastructure that is already there, supporting local jobs and strengthening South Australia’s power system at the same time. Financial close means this project is real, funded, and now being built, and our focus now shifts squarely to disciplined execution and delivery.”
The project’s delivery partners include NHOA Energy, which will serve as the battery integrator, supplying the batteries and inverters, and Enerven, which will handle civil, electrical, and construction works.
Adrian Marziano, vice-president of NHOA Energy for Australia and the Pacific, highlighted the project’s significance in Australia’s energy transition.
“The Hallett BESS project is another important step forward in Australia’s transition to net zero. By combining NHOA Energy’s proven integration expertise with EnergyAustralia’s vision for a more sustainable energy future, we are building critical infrastructure that will enhance grid stability, support renewable energy deployment, and accelerate the decarbonisation of Australia’s electricity system,” Marziano said.
EnergyAustralia has committed more than AU$700,000 (US$496,744) to community initiatives, including local grants, support for emergency services, road upgrades, and targeted First Nations participation.
The company is also funding training and capacity-building programs to help local residents develop skills and careers in the evolving energy sector.
The Hallett BESS is part of EnergyAustralia’s growing portfolio of energy storage projects, which includes the 350MW/1,400MWh Wooreen BESS in Victoria, currently under construction, and a 50% stake in a 1.4GWh battery project sold for AU$700 million.
The company also partnered with EDF to develop a 3GWh pumped hydro project in New South Wales.
The Energy Storage Summit Australia 2026 will be returning to Sydney on 18-19 March. It features keynote speeches and panel discussions on topics such as the Capacity Investment Scheme, long-duration energy storage, and BESS revenue streams. ESN Premium subscribers receive an exclusive discount on ticket prices.
To secure your tickets and learn more about the event, please visit the official website.
