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.
Discussing this developments with The Voice of Renewables, Jean-Christophe Cheylus, Neoen Australia’s CEO, said: “The pace at which we have grown and delivered storage in Western Australia is a reflection of the Neoen team’s disciplined focus, the strength of our relationships with Tesla, UGL, Western Power and AEMO, and the trust that we have nurtured with our host landowners and the local community. I applaud the dedication of everyone who has brought Collie Battery online so quickly and look forward to Muchea Battery joining it to support the WA grid.”
Sam Barbaro, Western Power’s CEO, told us: “The Western Power network is playing a key role in enabling industry and the community to reach their decarbonisation goals and expediting the transition to a sustainable energy system. I’d like to congratulate Neoen and recognise all involved in enabling Collie Battery 2 to be delivered ahead of schedule. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Neoen on the Muchea Battery project with the aim of providing outstanding outcomes for our community and the WA energy market.”
Jai Thomas, Energy Policy WA’s Coordinator of Energy, said: “It’s great to see the WA Government’s energy market arrangements delivering innovative projects like Neoen’s Muchea Battery. The integration of new clean energy generation and battery storage projects is a crucial part of WA’s energy transition and its journey to becoming a renewable energy powerhouse.”
Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s Group CEO, concluded: “I congratulate our team and delivery partners on achieving these two equally impressive milestones in Western Australia. Neoen’s ability to rapidly enter a new region and deliver high-quality projects on time is the fruit of intense collaboration and commitment. We are proud that our storage assets are playing an increasingly critical role in accelerating the energy transition in Australia, and around the world.”
