Technology group Wärtsilä has announced it will deliver a large-scale energy storage system in Australia that will become the country’s largest DC-coupled hybrid battery system in the National Electricity Market. This groundbreaking project represents Wärtsilä’s second DC-coupled installation in Australia and marks a significant advancement in the hybridization of storage assets with co-located renewable generation.
Once operational, the battery energy storage system will have sufficient capacity to power up to 120,000 homes and businesses, providing substantial support for Australia’s renewable energy objectives. The order has been booked by Wärtsilä in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the project expected to become operational in 2028.
DC-coupled projects represent a transformative approach to renewable energy integration. By directly coupling solar generation with battery storage through a DC/DC converter, this architecture minimizes energy losses and captures solar power that would otherwise be curtailed. This design significantly improves project economics, system efficiency, and overall grid stability, helping to address the growing challenge of solar and wind curtailment.
The project has achieved a critical milestone by securing approval for its Generator Performance Standards, which was essential for ensuring the successful design and approval of this innovative DC-coupled hybrid system. Wärtsilä’s optimization technology played a central role in obtaining this approval. The project is underpinned by a 20-year service agreement, demonstrating long-term commitment to the installation’s performance and reliability.
David Hebert, Vice President of Global Sales Management at Wärtsilä Energy Storage, emphasized the significance of the project’s scale. He noted that this project is substantially larger than the company’s earlier DC-coupled installation, highlighting the growing demand for this technology as it expands. Hebert described DC-coupled technology as a breakthrough for hybrid renewable plants and a critical step toward establishing a financially viable renewable energy future. He characterized the project as a prime example of how hybrid renewable energy and storage solutions can stabilize Australia’s grid while advancing decarbonization goals.
At the heart of the project is Wärtsilä’s intelligent controls and optimization software, GEMS, which 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 ensures coordination between the solar farm and storage system, conducting intelligent power control and optimized energy management operations for the entire plant. This system meets grid requirements and response times, appropriately charges and discharges the battery, and maximizes project value.
As a Tier-1 leading integrator in Australia, this project will be Wärtsilä’s ninth battery energy storage system site in the country. The installation will expand the company’s local footprint to 1.5 gigawatts and 5.5 gigawatt-hours of capacity. The project will contribute directly to Australia’s ambitious net-zero by 2045 target, representing a significant step in the nation’s energy transition journey.
The deployment of this large-scale DC-coupled hybrid system demonstrates the maturation of energy storage technology and its increasing role in supporting renewable energy integration at scale. As Australia continues to increase its renewable energy penetration, projects of this magnitude will be crucial for maintaining grid stability and ensuring reliable power supply while reducing carbon emissions.
