HSF confirms role in development of largest grid-forming battery in Australia

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has confirmed its role in advising on AGL Energy's development of the largest grid-forming battery in Australia.

“The electricity sector is in the process of significant change. As the market moves away from coal, emerging technologies such as battery storage are increasingly needed to facilitate the transition to renewable energy generation by allowing electricity to be dispatched to the grid as needed,” AGL Energy said in a press release. “The project will demonstrate the ability of large-scale batteries to be equipped with grid forming inverters to improve system strength and facilitate higher penetrations of variable renewable energy generation at the lowest cost.”

The 500 MW/1,000 MWh Liddell battery energy storage system (BESS) is set to be situated at the site of AGL Energy’s retired coal power station. It represents the company’s first project at its Hunter Energy Hub, HSF said.

Damien Nicks, the managing director and CEO of AGL Energy, said that the Liddell battery would be "a key component of achieving our interim target of approximately 5 GW of new renewables and firming capacity in place by 2030.”

The HSF projects, energy, and infrastructure team was headed by managing partner Toby Anderson, senior associate Michael D’Agostino, executive counsel Laurelle Ko, and solicitor Yonnie Lipshatz, who focused on procurement matters. Partner Kris Percy and senior associate Julia Hollis tackled connection matters, while partner Peter Davis and D’Agostino guided AGL Energy to a successful bid for a long-term energy service agreement with the NSW government.