Neoen launches first 6-hour battery in Muchea, and Collie Battery 2

Neoen, one of the world’s leading producers of exclusively renewable energy, has provided notices to proceed to Tesla and construction contractor UGL (a member of the CIMIC Group) signalling the start of construction of Muchea Battery in Western Australia (WA). Sized at 164 MW / 905 MWh, Muchea Battery will consist of 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and will connect into Western’s Power’s existing Muchea substation in the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS).

Muchea is Neoen’s first 6-hour long-duration battery and is backed by the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme. Once operational, Muchea will deliver critical grid-stability and reliability services during WA’s evening peaks. Located on the country of the Whadjuk people and within the Shire of Chittering, Muchea Battery is expected to deliver 70 new jobs during construction as well as economic opportunities for local businesses. It will contribute over AUD2 million in benefit-sharing for First Nations peoples and the local community across its 20+ year operational lifespan.

Neoen has also started operating Collie Battery Stage 2 (341 MW / 1,363 MWh) in WA, less than 15 months since the start of construction, solidifying the company’s track record of rapidly delivering high-quality assets. From 1st October, Collie Battery 2 starts delivering its 300 MW / 4-hour grid capacity service contract to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). This 2-year contract helps address risks associated with the retirement of coal power plants, high penetration of rooftop solar and increasing energy demand in the State. Combined with Stage 1 (219 MW / 877 MWh), Collie is Australia’s largest battery in operation and the first to exceed 2 GWh of storage capacity. At 560 MW / 2,240 MWh, Collie Battery can charge and discharge the equivalent of 20% of the average demand in the SWIS.

These milestones bring Neoen’s total storage capacity in Western Australia to 724 MW / 3,145 MWh, representing over AUD1 billion in investment in the State since 2022. This cements the company’s position as Australia’s leading developer, owner and operator of big batteries, with a total portfolio of 1.7 GW / 5.1 GWh of storage capacity currently in operation or under construction.

www.neoen.com