Rob Stokes, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Matt Kean, NSW Minister for Energy and the Environment, Media Release, 5 February 2021

A $32 million hydro-powered battery project to be located near Albury will be Australia’s first, following approval by the NSW Government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the hydro-powered battery will be charged by the nearby Hume Hydro Power Station that already provides power to 40,000 homes.

“The battery will be able to dispatch energy to the grid during peak demand, boosting grid stability and energy security in what is the first co-located battery and hydro project in Australia,” Mr Stokes said.

“Not only does it supply clean and reliable energy, it provides jobs and investment for the local area.”

Minister for Energy and the Environment Matt Kean said the project was a great example of how industry was supporting the State’s growing renewable energy sector through innovation and investment.

“We know New South Wales has some of the best hydro opportunities anywhere in the world and this sort of battery innovation adds to the renewable energy mix right across the State,” Mr Kean said.

“As renewable energy becomes a greater part of our energy mix, projects like this will help to support the continued growth of our economy by delivering a modern, cheap and reliable energy grid for the people of New South Wales.”

Member for Albury Justin Clancy said the project’s approval was fantastic news for the community.

“A clean energy project that will create 40 construction jobs and inject $32 million into the regional economy is welcome news for the area,” Mr Clancy said.

It is expected that construction will start later this year.