The first stage of Neoen’s Collie big battery has started operating ahead of schedule, the biggest project of its kind in the state.
The first stage of Neoen’s Collie big battery has started operating ahead of schedule, the biggest project of its kind in the state.
French company Neoen today announced its Collie battery stage 1 project started operating in early October, less than 18 months since starting construction in mid-2023.
The company claims the 219-megawatt/877 MWh battery is the biggest in Western Australia to date, and will be key in the state’s transition to renewable energy.
Neoen said the battery had been delivering grid reliability services under a contract with the Australian Energy Market Operator since October 1.
The second stage of the Collie Battery project is under construction and estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Collie big battery is the company’s first major project in WA, with NeoEn Australia chief executive Jean-Christophe Cheylus saying the delivery was done in record time.
“I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this happen: Western Power, Tesla and UGL as well as AEMO and the Western Australian government,” he said.
“With over 2 GW of projects in our pipeline in WA, we are committed to continuing to play our part in the state’s energy transition.”
The state government has been working to transition Collie from a coal-powered industry to a renewable energy economy.
“The WA government is clear that our state’s energy future will be powered by a mix of rooftop solar, onshore wind, and large-scale battery storage, backed by gas,” Energy Minister Reece Whitby said.
“This battery will support household investment in rooftop solar by soaking up excess energy produced during the day and making it available in the evening when it’s most needed.”
Neoen chief executive Xavier Barbaro said delivering the Collie battery ahead of schedule was a major step and demonstrated the speed needed to develop solutions in the regions.
“We are proud to be shaping the grid of the future, for the benefit of industry and consumers across Australia and around the globe,” he said.
Western Power chief executive Sam Barbaro said the Collie battery stage 1 project was an example of industry collaboration.
“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,” he said.
“Connecting energy solutions that support the harnessing of the abundance of renewable energy resources WA has to offer is critical to unlocking a cleaner energy future.”
