Potentia Energy Launches $261M Battery Storage Project in SA

Potentia Energy has received the first environmental approval for a grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) under South Australia’s new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy (HRE) Act. The project, named Emeroo BESS, is valued at approximately AU$400 million (around US$261 million) and will have a capacity of 225 MW and 900 MWh of energy storage. Located about 15 kilometers northeast of Port Augusta, this development marks a significant milestone in the state’s renewable energy landscape.

The approval for the Emeroo BESS was granted on August 28, 2025, for its Statement of Environmental Objectives (SEO). This follows the enactment of the HRE Act on July 11, 2024, which aims to streamline the approval process for large-scale renewable energy projects while ensuring environmental protections are maintained. The Emeroo BESS is designed to provide up to four hours of energy storage and will be co-located with an already operational facility.

The project features a modular design that incorporates shipping container-based battery units arranged in a grid pattern. Each container will house lithium-ion battery modules, thermal management systems, and advanced fire suppression technology. Additionally, power conversion systems, including inverters and transformers, will manage electricity flow between the battery storage system and the grid. The facility will connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) through ElectraNet’s Emeroo Substation.

Potentia Energy submitted its License Application to the South Australian government in early 2025, making it one of the pioneering projects to navigate the new regulatory framework established by the HRE Act. With the SEO approval now secured, the company aims to commence construction in late 2026, targeting commercial operation by early 2028.

South Australia’s HRE Act represents a pivotal shift in regulating grid-scale renewable energy projects in the state. Under this new framework, all such projects must be assessed under the HRE Act rather than previous planning legislation. Existing developments were required to obtain a license by July 11, 2025. This evolution aligns with the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) assessment that managing daily and seasonal variations in NEM output is crucial for the transition to renewable energy.

Tom Koutsantonis, South Australia’s Minister for Energy and Mining, welcomed the approval, emphasizing the state’s leadership in renewable energy integration. He stated, “South Australia has been a leader in renewable energy, in particular through our pioneering foray into grid-scale battery storage. We couldn’t have got to where we are – on track to 100% net renewable energy generation by 2027 – without good planning and world-leading legislation and policy.”

Minister Koutsantonis also highlighted that the HRE Act exemplifies South Australia’s commitment to being a prime destination for renewable energy investments while ensuring a coordinated and equitable approach to infrastructure.

The state has established itself as a leader in grid-scale battery storage, having originally commissioned the Hornsdale Power Reserve BESS in 2017 with a capacity of 100 MW and 129 MWh. This facility was expanded in 2020 to 150 MW and 193.5 MWh, demonstrating the state’s commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies.

Looking ahead, several large-scale BESS projects are set to come online in South Australia in the coming years. Notable among them is the Summerfield Battery, developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, which will feature 240 MW and 960 MWh of storage capacity, utilizing Canadian Solar’s SolBank 3.0 battery technology. Additionally, Pacific Green’s Limestone Coast North Energy Park is expected to add 250 MW and 500 MWh of storage capacity when it becomes operational in early 2027.

As South Australia continues to push the boundaries of renewable energy, the Emeroo BESS project stands as a testament to the state’s innovative approach in harnessing clean energy resources while prioritizing environmental stewardship.