How the Merredin Battery Will Help Modernize Western Australia’s Power Grid
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A big new battery is being built in Western Australia. It’s called the Merredin Battery, and it will be one of the state’s largest energy storage systems. With 100 megawatts of power and 400 megawatt-hours of capacity, this project marks a big step in updating the energy grid and supporting renewable energy.
The battery is being developed by Atmos Renewables and Nomad Energy. Construction began soon after the project was funded in July 2025, and the battery is expected to start working in October 2026. It will be connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), which is the main electricity grid in the region.
Once it’s up and running, the Merredin Battery will support the grid in many ways. It can store extra energy during the day and release it when people need it most, like in the evening or during hot days when air conditioners are running.
The battery will be located 7.5 kilometers southwest of Merredin, right next to a new 132MW solar farm from Risen Energy. Putting the battery close to the solar farm helps make better use of solar energy. When the sun is shining but not many people are using power, the battery can store the extra electricity. Later, when demand is high, the battery sends it back into the grid.
GenusPlus Group, a company based in Perth, won the construction contract in June 2025. The developers are also giving back to the community. They’ve promised to spend AU$20,000 per year for 25 years on local programs and support.
This battery is not made for homes or small buildings. It’s a grid-scale system, built to work with the wholesale electricity market. It will help balance supply and demand, improve stability, and keep the power flowing when renewable sources like wind and solar are not available.
Here’s why this project matters:
- Energy companies get a reliable way to manage changes in power use.
- Grid operators can keep the system stable with fast-responding storage.
- Investors see the value in large-scale batteries built for real impact.
As more solar panels are added across the state, storage like the Merredin Battery becomes essential. It’s become a core part of how the grid works.
