Technology group Wärtsilä Corporation will deliver a large energy storage system in Australia that will become the largest DC-coupled hybrid battery system in the National Electricity Market (NEM). The project represents Wärtsilä's second DC-coupled project in the country and reflects a growing trend toward hybridization of storage assets with co-located renewable generation.

System Capacity and Impact

Once operational, the battery energy storage system will have the capacity to power up to 120,000 homes and businesses, providing a significant boost to Australia's renewable energy ambitions. The order will be booked by Wärtsilä in Q4, 2025, with the project expected to be operational in 2028.

The project will contribute directly to Australia's net-zero by 2045 target and is supported by a 20-year service agreement.

DC-Coupled Technology Benefits

DC-coupled projects represent a shift in the future of renewable energy integration. By directly coupling solar generation with battery storage via a DC/DC converter, the architecture minimizes energy losses and captures solar power that would otherwise be curtailed, significantly improving project economics, system efficiency, and overall grid stability. This technology helps to stabilize the grid amid growing solar and wind curtailment.

The project has secured approval for its Generator Performance Standards (GPS), marking a critical milestone in integrating renewable generation and storage at scale. Securing GPS approval was crucial to ensure the successful design and approval of the innovative DC-coupled hybrid system, with Wärtsilä's optimization technology playing a central role.

Technology and Management Systems

Wärtsilä's intelligent controls and optimization software, GEMS, will manage the integration of both the energy storage system and solar assets with the grid's connection requirements. The GEMS Hybrid Power Plant Controller (PPC) ensures coordination between the solar farm and storage system.

The controller conducts intelligent power control and optimized energy management operations for the entire plant to meet grid requirements and response times, charge and discharge the battery appropriately, and maximize project value.

Company Position and Scale

David Hebert, Vice President of Global Sales Management for Wärtsilä Energy Storage, stated that this project is significantly larger than the company's earlier DC-coupled project, underscoring the need for this type of technology in expanding at scale. He described it as particularly exciting to work on the largest DC-coupled project in the country, calling DC-coupled technology a breakthrough for hybrid renewable plants and a critical step towards establishing a financially viable renewable energy future.

Wärtsilä operates as a Tier-1 leading integrator in Australia. This project will be Wärtsilä's ninth BESS site in the country, expanding the company's local footprint to 1.5GW / 5.5GWh of capacity.

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