AGL has launched expressions of interest for local and First Nations businesses to take part in construction and services across three new large-scale battery projects in the Hunter region.
The first of these is the Tomago Battery, which will be built at Tomago Industrial Estate between the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road. Designed with a capacity of 500 megawatts and four hours of storage, the battery will be able to store 2,000 megawatt-hours of energy. Construction is planned to begin in October 2025, with operations scheduled to start in September 2027. Around 200 jobs are expected during the construction phase, along with six ongoing operational roles. The project carries an estimated cost of $815 million, with Fluence engaged as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
At Muswellbrook, AGL plans to develop a battery with a capacity of 150 megawatts and up to 300 megawatt-hours. The site is located on Sandy Creek Road, next to the existing Ausgrid substation. The project received planning approval in July 2023, and design refinements have since led to a modification application being lodged. Construction is forecast to create up to 60 jobs, while three roles will continue once the battery is operating.
A third project is planned for Beresfield, adjacent to Ausgrid’s 132kV substation on Weakleys Drive. This battery is proposed to have a capacity of 170 megawatts and up to 340 megawatt-hours. Planning approval has already been granted, and AGL expects the project to generate about 75 construction jobs and two ongoing operational roles.
For all three projects, AGL is encouraging local and First Nations businesses to register their interest in supply chain opportunities during the construction phases.
