Developer Atmos Renewables has successfully achieved financial close on its 400MWh Merredin battery energy storage system (BESS) in Western Australia.
This 100MW/400MWh 4-hour duration BESS marks the company’s first greenfield development to enter the construction phase. Upon completion in 2027, it will become Atmos’ 18th operational asset and its first BESS project in Western Australia.
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The Merredin BESS is strategically located approximately 7.5km southwest of Merredin, along the 650km Muja to Kalgoorlie 220kV transmission line.
Strategic location near Western Australia’s energy infrastructure
Situated in the Western Australia Wheatbelt, the region is historically significant for its role in wheat production during Australia’s early colonisation period.
Renewable energy developer Nomad Energy first identified the potential for the Merredin BESS in 2022 with close proximity to key energy infrastructure in the state. Nomad partnered with Atmos Renewables to support the development of the BESS.
It is set to be built adjacent to the 132MW Merredin solar PV power plant being developed by Risen Energy.
The BESS will operate within the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), the primary energy market in Western Australia, and connect to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) via Western Power’s Merredin Terminal Station.
Federal support through the Capacity Investment Scheme
The Merredin BESS is the first project in Western Australia to reach the construction phase under the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). As reported by Energy-Storage.news Earlier this year, the project was among the successful bids in Western Australia’s first CIS tender, which was announced in March.
In total, 654MW/2,595MWh of BESS projects were approved, including the Merredin BESS, the Boddington Giga Battery, Muchea Battery, and the Waroona Renewable Energy Project. All these projects feature 4-hour durations and are expected to be operational by October 2027.
Nigel Baker, CEO of Atmos Renewables, emphasised the importance of the Merredin BESS in supporting Western Australia’s renewable energy goals.
“Merredin BESS is an important step towards a low-carbon future for Western Australia, and we look forward to the safe and successful construction of the project in conjunction with our delivery partners,” Baker stated.
GenusPlus Group awarded construction contract for Merredin BESS
Atmos Renewables recently awarded GenusPlus Group an AU$65 million (US$42 million) contract to construct the Merredin BESS. This contract includes the development of a new high-voltage substation and associated civil works at the site in Western Australia.
Since then, GenusPlus has been contracted by Alinta Energy to build the first stage of the Reeves Plains Energy Hub in South Australia. This hub will feature a 250MW/1,000MWh 4-hour duration BESS.
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