Australian energy storage developer Akaysha Energy has achieved a major milestone with its 415 MW/1,660 MWh Orana Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) reaching full output in New South Wales, marking one of the largest operational battery storage facilities in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM).
Located approximately two kilometers northeast of Wellington within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, the Orana BESS has been designed to enhance grid reliability and support the integration of renewable energy into Australia’s electricity system. The facility is connected to TransGrid’s 330kV Wellington substation and is strategically positioned within one of the country’s key renewable energy development zones.
The project comprises 448 Tesla Megapack units, delivering 415 MW of power and providing four hours of energy storage capacity, equivalent to 1,660 MWh. This scale enables the battery to store excess renewable electricity generated during periods of high solar and wind output and release it when demand rises, helping stabilize the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based generation.
The Orana BESS was backed by a landmark AU$650 million financing package secured in 2024 from a consortium of 11 banks, making it one of the largest standalone battery storage financing deals globally at the time. The project also benefits from a long-term virtual tolling agreement with EnergyAustralia, providing revenue certainty and supporting commercial viability.
The milestone further strengthens Akaysha Energy’s position in Australia’s rapidly expanding energy storage sector. Backed by BlackRock, the company continues to expand its portfolio of large-scale battery projects as Australia accelerates its transition toward a cleaner, more resilient electricity system.
With the Orana BESS now operating at full capacity, Akaysha Energy has reinforced its position as a key player in the global energy storage market. The project represents a significant step toward building a more flexible and resilient electricity grid while supporting Australia’s clean energy ambitions. As demand for renewable integration and grid reliability continues to grow worldwide, large-scale battery projects like Orana are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of sustainable energy infrastructure.
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