Energy Vault Starts Battery Storage Build at ACEN Australia’s Solar Site
Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (“Energy Vault”), a pioneering force in sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, has officially commenced construction on a major battery energy storage system (BESS) at ACEN Australia’s New England Solar project. The groundbreaking event marks the beginning of work on a 200 MW/2-hour BESS facility, which is set to play a crucial role in the integration of renewable energy in New South Wales (NSW). This initiative highlights Energy Vault’s growing influence in the Australian energy sector and further solidifies its commitment to delivering reliable, cost-effective energy storage solutions on a global scale.
A Milestone in Sustainable Energy Storage
Energy Vault executives, ACEN Australia representatives, local officials, and members of the Anaiwan First Nations community gathered at the project site near Uralla, NSW, to commemorate the beginning of construction. This BESS deployment is the first of two Energy Vault systems planned for ACEN Australia’s 720 MW New England Solar project. The system will be charged and discharged on a daily basis, enabling it to provide stored renewable energy during peak demand hours. This function will help balance grid fluctuations, reduce reliance on coal-fired power plants, and contribute to the overall decarbonization of the region’s energy infrastructure.
The New England Solar project has been recognized as a transformative step toward a cleaner energy future in NSW. With strong backing from the NSW Government’s Emerging Energy Program, this project represents a significant milestone in the transition to renewable energy. The first large-scale BESS of its kind in the New England Region, it underscores the increasing role of energy storage in stabilizing and enhancing the reliability of the power grid as more renewable sources are integrated.
The Significance of the Groundbreaking Event
The ceremony marking the start of construction was a momentous occasion, featuring speeches from Energy Vault’s Chief Executive Officer & Chairman, Robert Piconi, ACEN Australia’s Head of Construction and Engineering, Tim Greenaway, and Anaiwan First Nations leaders. In addition to formal addresses, the event included a traditional sweating ceremony conducted by Anaiwan representatives, reinforcing the deep connection between the project and the local Indigenous community.
The involvement of First Nations partners in the New England Solar project is a key aspect of its development. Energy Vault and ACEN Australia have worked closely with the Anaiwan community to ensure that the project is aligned with cultural values and contributes positively to the local economy. The strong partnership underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development and community engagement.
Lucas Sadler, Vice President of Sales Asia at Energy Vault, emphasized the significance of the project: “Today’s groundbreaking is a significant milestone for Energy Vault’s rapidly growing commercial footprint in Australia, and we’re very pleased to be working with ACEN Australia, its First Nations partners, and the Uralla community on the project. New England Solar will serve as a critical source of renewable energy for the NSW region, and Energy Vault’s involvement is reflective of the company’s truly global approach to meeting the growing demand for reliable and cost-effective energy storage solutions.”
Tim Greenaway, Head of Construction at ACEN Australia, echoed this sentiment: “As New England Solar progresses toward completion, we are fortunate to not only have the opportunity to partner with the Energy Vault team in the development of energy storage systems but to have the strong support and partnership of the Anaiwan First Nations and local community. It is our goal to reliably provide clean power in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible, and today we are one step closer to achieving that mission.”
Technological Innovations in Energy Storage
The battery energy storage systems deployed at the New England Solar project are part of Energy Vault’s B-VAULT™ suite of fully integrated battery solutions. The system is designed with cutting-edge features that optimize energy storage, enhance grid resilience, and maximize efficiency. One of the key components of the deployment is a special inverter, which provides advanced grid support functionalities, including voltage and frequency ride-through, grid stability during disturbances, and reactive power control.
Additionally, the BESS will be managed using Energy Vault’s proprietary X-Vault integration platform and Vault-OS Energy Management System. These technologies enable seamless coordination of battery operations, ensuring optimal energy dispatch and storage. With these innovations, Energy Vault’s BESS can respond dynamically to grid demands, thereby increasing efficiency and ensuring a reliable supply of clean energy.
The Growing Importance of Energy Storage in Australia
The mobilization of this BESS deployment represents a critical step in Energy Vault’s expanding footprint in the Australian market. The demand for large-scale energy storage solutions has increased as the country accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels. Energy Vault’s entry into the Australian market has been marked by a series of agreements and collaborations, including partnerships with Enervest and the Victorian government-owned State Electricity Commission (SEC). To date, the company’s B-VAULT portfolio in Australia includes 1.9 GWh in previously announced projects.
Australia’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by ambitious renewable energy targets and government initiatives supporting clean technology development. The NSW Government’s Emerging Energy Program, which has backed the New England Solar BESS, aims to facilitate the transition to a sustainable and reliable energy system. By investing in energy storage projects like this one, the government is taking proactive steps to mitigate the challenges associated with intermittent renewable generation.
Battery energy storage plays a crucial role in ensuring that solar and wind power can be effectively integrated into the grid. By storing excess energy during periods of low demand and dispatching it during peak hours, BESS facilities enhance grid stability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The New England Solar BESS, in particular, is expected to provide a blueprint for future projects, demonstrating how advanced energy storage solutions can be implemented at scale.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
Energy Vault’s work on the New England Solar project aligns with its broader mission to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions worldwide. By leveraging its innovative energy storage technologies, the company aims to enable a cleaner and more resilient energy future. The project not only contributes to Australia’s renewable energy transition but also showcases the potential of grid-scale storage in enabling the widespread deployment of clean power sources.
The collaboration between Energy Vault, ACEN Australia, the Anaiwan First Nations, and local stakeholders reflects a holistic approach to energy development—one that prioritizes technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. As the project progresses, it will serve as a model for integrating large-scale energy storage with solar power generation, setting the stage for similar initiatives in Australia and beyond.
