Origin Energy has begun generating revenue from the initial stage of the Supernode and Eraring Stage 1 battery storage projects, located in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.
The Eraring battery energy storage system (BESS) achieved commercial operation in December 2025, delivering 460MW of power output with approximately 3.8 hours of continuous discharge capability at the site of Australia’s largest coal-fired power station.
Origin confirmed the project was completed on time and within budget, with the system now participating in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and generating revenue for the company.
Concurrently, Origin began receiving revenue from its tolling arrangement with the 250MW/525MWh first stage of Quinbrook Infrastructure’s Supernode battery storage site in Queensland from January 2026.
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The utility holds offtake agreements for 500MW of the Supernode project’s total planned capacity, which will ultimately reach 760MW/3,070MWh across three development stages.
The commercial achievement at Eraring represents the first operational phase of what will become Australia’s largest approved battery storage project by capacity, with the complete development planned to reach 700MW/3,160MWh across four construction stages.
Finnish marine and engine power plant technology provider, Wärtsilä, was selected as the technology provider for the project’s expansion phases, with Enerven providing design and construction services.
The battery system’s location at the Eraring Power Station site provides strategic advantages for grid integration, utilising existing transmission infrastructure to minimise additional network investment requirements.
The co-location arrangement allows Origin to leverage the site’s established 330kV transmission connections while preparing for the eventual transition from coal-fired generation to renewable energy storage.
Origin Energy extends Eraring coal-fired power plant lifespan to 2029
Origin’s battery storage achievements occur alongside the company’s decision to extend operations at the 2,880MW Eraring coal-fired power station until April 2029, two years beyond the previously planned August 2027 closure date.
The extension aims to address grid security concerns identified by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) while providing additional time for the deployment of renewable energy and transmission infrastructure across New South Wales.
The utility’s dual approach of extending coal operations while simultaneously developing large-scale battery storage at the same site reflects the complex dynamics of Australia’s energy transition.
Origin CEO Frank Calabria indicated that the extension provides the necessary time for renewables, storage and transmission projects to be completed while maintaining system reliability during the transition period.
Beyond Eraring, Origin continues to advance its broader battery storage portfolio, including the 300MW/650MWh grid-forming BESS at Mortlake Power Station in Victoria.
Construction commenced at the Mortlake project in 2025, with commissioning expected in late 2026. The Mortlake battery storage project will incorporate grid-forming capabilities, enabling it to provide system strength services traditionally supplied by synchronous generators.
The company has committed to developing 1.7GW of owned and tolled battery storage capacity, including projects at Eraring, Mortlake, and contracted capacity from the Supernode and Summerfield battery developments.
This portfolio represents approximately AU$1.7 billion (US$1.18 billion) in storage investment as Origin transitions from coal-dependent generation toward renewable energy and storage solutions.
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.
