Operations

Bathurst Battery

The Bathurst Battery is a grid-scale battery proposed for development in Eglinton, NSW.

Example of a grid-scale battery – Torrens 250 MW 2 hour battery

About the project

The Bathurst Battery is a grid-scale battery proposed for developement in Eglinton, NSW.

It would provide up to 500 MW of electricity to the grid for approximately eight hours (4,000 MWh). The battery will have additional, installed capacity of 5,400 MWh to support performance over its operating life

The location for the proposed battery is approximately 6 km from the centre of Bathurst.

What is being proposed

AGL is proposing to build, operate and maintain a grid-scale battery of approximately 500 megawatts (MW).

The construction period for the battery is expected to be around 24 months, with works anticipated to commence in late 2028.

Batteries are a key part of our strategy to support flexibility in the energy system.

The project is expected to deliver local economic benefits, including up to 200 jobs during construction and a small number of ongoing roles in operations, maintenance and vegetation management.

Proposed project timeline

Due diligence

Lodgement of Scoping Report

Q3 2026

Environmental Impact Statement lodged

Q3 2027

Project determined

2027

Construction commences

Late 2028

Operations commence

2030

Development status

The project is considered a State Significant Development (SSD) under section 4.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. SSD classification applies to certain types of projects based on their scale, capacity or potential impacts, and means they are assessed by the NSW Government.

The first step in the SSD process is to submit a Scoping Report to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to request the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). The SEARs will detail the investigations needed to inform an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). AGL is currently preparing the scoping report for the Project.

Community and stakeholder management

Scoping report

Preliminary studies and early community engagement are undertaken to identify the proposal’s impacts and issues for assessment.

SEARs issued

Planning Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) are issued.

Preparation of the EIS

Community engagement and technical studies are undertaken to inform the environmental impact statement (EIS).

Exhibition of the EIS

The EIS is placed on public exhibition for agency and community feedback.

Response to submissions

AGL considers the comments and issues raised about the EIS in a submissions report.

Assessing the proposal

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure assesses the proposal and makes a referral for decision.

Determination

The Minister or the Independent Planning Commission approves or refuses the proposal.

Community and stakeholder feedback

AGL is committed to building and fostering trust with all stakeholders.

AGL will engage with the local community, State and Federal government, Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council and businesses in the region about the proposed Project. AGL aims to work closely with the community and key stakeholders throughout the project to understand any concerns and questions.

If you have a project question or concern, please reach out to us at any time using the contact details below.

Local business engagement

AGL aims to work closely with local businesses and suppliers where possible throughout the development of the project.

If your business wants to be involved in the project, you can register your interest by completing the online form.

Project documents

Community complaints and enquiries

AGL understands that we don’t always get it right, and we want to be informed when we don’t. If you would like to provide any feedback, good or bad, or simply ask some questions, please feel free to get in touch via the following channels: