Energy storage firm Eku Energy has reached financial close for its 250MW/500MWh Williamsdale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Australia.
Located at Williamsdale in the south of Canberra, the BESS facility will have the capacity to store enough renewable energy to power one-third of Canberra for two hours during peak demand periods.
The Williamsdale BESS is part of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government’s Big Canberra Battery project. This initiative is aimed at supporting the increased use of clean energy across Canberra and advancing the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2045.
The Australian BESS facility will feature Tesla Energy’s Megapacks. Consolidated Power Projects (CPP) has been appointed as the construction partner for the facility.
CPP will supply the balance of plant. Eku Energy will manage the Williamsdale BESS, which is anticipated to be operational in 2026.
The project will connect to the Evoenergy electricity distribution network and is expected to generate new skills and job opportunities for Canberrans.
Eku Energy CEO Daniel Burrows said: “At Eku Energy, we focus on innovation to find bespoke ways of integrating revenue contracts, design, project execution and capital to meet the objectives of our partners to deliver clean energy solutions that are safe, secure and cost-effective.
“The Williamsdale BESS is a critical step forward in supporting the Territory’s clean energy future and we are excited and proud to be one step closer to its delivery.”
Eku Energy partnered with the ACT government to develop the Williamsdale project.
The BESS facility will participate in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and share its revenue with the government. In return, Eku Energy will receive fixed quarterly payments over a 15-year period.
This structure has enabled the Williamsdale project to secure competitive debt financing from Westpac, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), and MUFG Bank.
Once operational, the Williamsdale BESS will operate in grid-forming mode, offering critical system strength and fast-acting frequency control ancillary services. It will also allow for increased renewable energy integration into the grid.
