MOLONG BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

The Project

Stor-Energy is exploring the development of a large-scale battery to the east of Molong, near Back Saleyards Road. The proposed battery would have a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW) and be capable of operating at full capacity for up to four hours.

This battery would store excess energy during the day and release it when demand is high, providing essential support to the electricity grid. The project would connect to the existing Molong Transgrid substation, enhancing the local power network.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a more stable and resilient energy future. We're committed to engaging with the local community as we continue to assess the potential for this project.

The construction of the Molong Battery will be an opportunity for capacity building for local people and local employment in the energy industry. Batteries are a fast-growing part of the electricity system and represent a future-focused and highly skilled industry.

Ensuring local people are participating in the project will create a positive legacy in the region and deliver an enduring positive impact on the community in the Molong region and its surrounds.

Proposed project components include:

• Battery units and transformers
• Connection and switch gear
• Site office
• Water storage facilities
• New substation in the battery facility
• Civil works such as hardstands, internal roads, new access driveway and bulk earthworks
• Transmission line to the nearby Molong substation
• The lead contractor will be appointed soon and will be responsible for the subcontractor workforce.
• Stor-Energy is committed to ensuring the use of the local workforce where possible, and to training local people to participate in this future-focused industry.
• Cold and hot commissioning of Battery and substation equipment.
• Removal of temporary construction facilities and rehabilitation of disturbed areas following completion of construction of the Project.
  

Construction schedule

Construction is anticipated to take 22 months and to commence in late 2026.

Over that time, the main construction activities will include:

• Transport of construction personnel, associated heavy and light vehicles, and materials to and from the site on a day-to-day basis, dependent on construction schedule.
• Site establishment works, including vegetation clearing within the fenced boundary, bulk earthworks, and a temporary construction compound.
• Road works to formalise the internal site access road to accommodate heavy vehicles.
• Construction of the Operations & Maintenance building, and delivery and installation of the control room and switch rooms.
• Construction of project substations, including installation of earthing grid, benching works, transformer bunding, installation of 33kV/132kV main transformers outdoor switchgear, HV busbar and support structure, overhead gantry structures, auxiliary transformer, harmonic filters, and reactive plant.
• Installation of 132 kV transmission line to facilitate connection to the existing Molong Transgrid substation to the north.
• Construction of hardstand, gravel all-weather access road and sealed internal roads and curbing.
• Installation of 33kV reticulation cabling, auxiliary transformers, battery enclosures, and inverter & transformer stations.
• Construction of ancillary works, including parking areas, water tank, storage structures, stormwater management infrastructure, water containment infrastructure, and security lighting and fencing.
  

Expressions of interest

Stor-energy encourages local businesses that are interested in working on the Molong Battery to register an expression of interest (EOI) through the ICN Gateway webpage.

Information on specific work packages and opportunities will be communicated on the Gateway by ICN project page as it becomes available.

For further information, please reach out to Pat Savage at information@molong-battery.com