Merredin Big Battery

100MW / 400MWh utility scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

The Merredin Big Battery

Is a utility scale battery project being developed by a joint venture between Atmos Renewables & Nomad Energy in Shire of Merredin, WA.

Targetting an operational start in Q4 2026, it will add much needed energy storage and resilience to Western Australia’s electricity network. The facility will be situated on a 3.5ha site approximately 10km SW of Merredin, adjacent to an existing substation and near the Merredin Solar Farm.

The battery will enhance the integration of renewable energy in WA by providing essential grid services. It will store affordable energy generated when the sun is shining & the wind is blowing, releasing it during peak demand periods. Additionally, it will contribute to a more secure and modern energy system.

100MW

power output

130,000

homes powered at peak times

400MWh

energy storage

2026

Year start operating

“The Shire of Merredin is becoming a place of excellence for renewable energy projects and is currently home to two Solar Farms as well as the Collgar Wind Farm and is excited about becoming the home of the proposed BESS facility”
— Merredin CEO
 

Project Timeline

The concept of a battery project in Merredin was first investigated in 2022.
The key project milestones are shown in the timeline below

Local community engagement is a cornerstone of the Merredin Big Battery, and despite its modest physical size, the project will deliver many benefits to the Merredin community.

Local businesses will experience increased demand both during and before construction, with requirements for accommodation, catering and general supplies for construction workers and visitors. Additionally, there will be opportunities for technical work associated with the project.

The project team is also engaging with the local shire and community groups to develop a long-term community fund scheme, ensuring lasting positive outcomes for the region.

Community

In the News

  • The West Australian, 25 January 2024

    Nomad Energy and Sydney-based Atmos Renewables are planning a 400-megawatt-hour battery project in Merredin, with about twice as much storage capacity as Tesla’s Hornsdale Reserve system in South Australia….

    read full story

  • Business News, 23 January 2024

    A battery energy storage system proposed for Shire of Merredin to cost more that $200 million….


    read full story

FAQs

  • Q: How big will it be?
    A: The battery will be 100MW / 400MWh, which means it can continuously output 100MW of energy for 4 hours. This is enough to power 130,000 homes during a 4 hour peak period.

    Q: When will it start operation?
    A: The Battery is scheduled to start operating in October 2026

    Q: Why is it being built where it is?
    A: Placing energy projects next to existing Western Power infrastructure reduces the cost of the project so securing a site right next to the Merredin Terminal was a key outcome. Also, being within an area of already operating energy works lessens any visual or other impacts.

    Q: Who is paying for it?
    A: The battery will be privately financed by the developers (Atmos Renewables & Nomad Energy)

    Q: Will my power bills be cheaper?
    A: The Merredin Big Battery can help reduce overall power costs for consumers in the following ways:
    - Increasing the power available to the grid can reduce energy prices by increasing competition
    - supporting the development of additional solar & wind projects which are the cheapest forms of power.

  • Q: What are benefits to the local community?
    A: During construction local businesses will benefit from increased demand for services (such as accommodation) and supplies.
    We are also working to establish a long-term community Benefit Fund to deliver ongoing benefits to the community where needed.

    Q: What will be the impact during Construction?
    A: Apart from the benefits as noted above, the construction period will see increased heavy vehicle traffic around site and on Great Eastern Hwy west of Merredin. There should be little impact within the town itself. A traffic management plan will be submitted as part of construction.

Documents

Development Application Approval

The project development application with Regional Development Assessment Panel (RDAP) Approval letter.

Community Fund Guidelines

Information on our Community Fund and how to apply.

Get in touch

If you’d like more information on this project