en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 23rd, AGL has commenced commissioning of the Liddell battery project at the Hunter Energy Hub in New South Wales, Australia. The project has a storage capacity of 500 megawatts with two hours of discharge duration, and construction has now been fully completed.
The first 250-megawatt unit has entered the initial commissioning phase, with full commercial operation expected by June 2026. Prior to this, the project will undergo staged performance testing and grid connection activities. Once operational, the Liddell battery will enhance storage capacity and system stability in the National Electricity Market.
Damien Nicks, AGL's Managing Director and CEO, said: "In April 2023, we closed the Liddell Power Station after 50 years of operation, and we thank all the staff for their contribution to the energy system. Three years later, I am proud to celebrate the commencement of commissioning for the Liddell battery here, marking the first significant step in the repurposing of the site. This battery will provide critical storage support to the energy system, which is increasingly necessary during the energy transition."
The project received A$35 million (approximately US$24.67 million) in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and is supported by a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement under the New South Wales Roadmap initiative. AGL Chief Operating Officer Matthew Currie noted: "Over 600 construction personnel were involved in this project, and commissioning is a crucial step to ensure the safe operation of a grid-scale battery. System testing will continue over the coming months to ensure its reliable operation."
The Liddell battery will be integrated into AGL's existing battery storage network, which includes the 250-megawatt Torrens Island battery, the 50-megawatt Broken Hill battery, and the 500-megawatt Tomago battery under development. AGL is advancing the development of a comprehensive energy hub at the site, with plans to expand into diverse businesses such as large-scale batteries, material recycling, and low-carbon fuels. In July 2025, the company also completed the full acquisition of Tesla's South Australian Virtual Power Plant.
