ACEN Australia (of the Ayala Group) and Marubeni Asian Power Singapore signed a cooperation agreement for the joint development of a 200 MW/400 MWh (2-hour) battery energy storage system (BESS) in New South Wales, Australia. The signing ceremony for the agreement took place at the Philippine Business Forum held in Melbourne, Australia, and was presented to the President of the Philippines.
As per the statement, the agreement shows the collaborative efforts of Marubeni and ACEN to promote the sustainable supply of renewable energy in Australia. The agreement commits the parties to work together on the delivery of the New England 400 MWh BESS. The 50-50 partnership has a projected investment amount of AU$ 250 million with a target completion by 2025.
New England Solar is a 720 MW solar and battery project currently being built in stages near Uralla in the New South Wales (NSW) New England region. Stage 1 of the solar facility (400 MW) commenced generating clean, renewable electricity in NSW and Queensland in 2023. Stage 2 will start construction in 2024. This agreement marks the initial stage of the battery of 200 MW, with potential for significant future expansion. The project is being delivered with the support of host landholders, First Nations, and the Uralla community.
