How Risen Energy Is Powering Australia’s Battery Storage Revolution – A Deep Dive into the Coleambally BESS Project
Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) is undergoing a transformation. With renewables now supplying over 32% of our electricity and more than 30 large-scale batteries under construction at the end of 2021, grid-scale storage has become indispensable for smoothing out solar and wind intermittency. Recognising this, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has moved to streamline connection standards for batteries and generators, accelerating projects without compromising stability.
That’s where Risen Energy Australia’s flagship Coleambally Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) comes in—a 100 MW/400 MWh lithium-ion installation poised to deliver four hours of firmed energy back into the grid, precisely when it’s needed most.
What Is the Coleambally BESS Project?
Capacity & Storage Duration
The Coleambally BESS features a 100 MW discharge capacity and 400 MWh of total storage—enough to deliver four hours of continuous power output, time-shifting excess solar generation into evening peak periods.
Site & Co-Location
Situated approximately 9 km northeast of the town of Coleambally in New South Wales, the facility sits adjacent to Transgrid’s existing substation and is only 120 m from Neoen’s 150 MW agrisolar farm. This co-location allows seamless integration of generation, storage, and dispatch.
Milestone Achieved: Receiving the 5.3.4 Letter
In May 2025, Risen Energy Australia received its Clause 5.3.4A (5.3.4) Letter from the AEMC. This letter confirms that the BESS meets the required performance and system-strength standards, clearing the way for final connection agreements and construction commencement.
Technical & Operational Highlights
Battery Technology
The system employs lithium-ion cells manufactured by Risen Battery, chosen for their high cycle life and thermal stability.
Grid Support Functions
Beyond time-shifting, the BESS will provide frequency regulation, fast-response contingency reserves, and voltage support—critical services to maintain NEM reliability as renewable penetration rises.
Design Life & Scalability
Engineered for a 30-year operational life, the Coleambally BESS includes provisions for future capacity augmentations, aligning with Risen’s broader pipeline strategy.
Why It Matters for Australia
Grid Stabilisation
By absorbing surplus generation during midday solar peaks and discharging during evening demand spikes, the BESS helps flatten the load curve and reduces stress on transmission infrastructure.
Energy Security
In the event of unexpected outages or network constraints, the BESS provides a fast-acting backup, bolstering national resilience against disruptions.
Cost Savings
Time-shifting energy can shave up to AU $50/MWh off wholesale prices during peak periods—savings that, over time, flow through to consumer power bills.
Local Community & Economic Impact
Investment & Jobs
With a capital investment of approximately AU $184 million, the project is expected to generate up to 40 construction jobs over a 10-month build period.
Community Contributions
Under a Voluntary Planning Agreement, Risen Energy Australia will contribute AU $1.37 million to the Murrumbidgee Council, funding local infrastructure, community facilities, and environmental initiatives throughout the facility’s lifetime.
Timeline & What’s Next
Following the May 2025 grid-connection approval, Risen plans to finalize EPC contracts and break ground in mid-2025, with the 10-month construction window targeting early 2026 commissioning.
Operational Goals
Once live, the Coleambally BESS will join Risen’s growing suite of utility-scale projects, marking a pivotal step in the company’s mission to deploy six BESS installations across Australia by 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Coleambally BESS embodies the synergy of advanced battery technology, streamlined regulatory pathways, and community engagement. As Australia charts its renewable-energy future, projects like this will be at the forefront—stabilising our grid, empowering local regions, and unlocking cost-effective, clean power.
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