Herbert Smith Freehills advises AGL Energy on its development of Australia’s largest grid-forming battery

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) is pleased to have advised AGL Energy on its 500 MW / 1,000 MWh battery energy storage system (the Liddell BESS). The Liddell BESS will be located at the site of AGL Energy’s retired coal power station and marks AGL Energy’s first development at its Hunter Energy Hub.

AGL Energy’s Managing Director and CEO, Damien Nicks, commented “the Liddell battery will be a key component of achieving our interim target of approximately 5 GW of new renewables and firming capacity in place by 2030”. The Liddell BESS will be one of Australia’s biggest batteries, and the biggest with grid-forming inverter capabilities.

The Liddell BESS will add to AGL Energy’s existing suite of grid scale battery assets, which includes the 250 MW Torrens Island battery, which commenced operations in August 2023, and the 50 MW Broken Hill battery which is due to commence operations shortly.

The cross-practice HSF Projects, Energy and Infrastructure team was led by Managing Partner Toby Anderson, Senior Associate Michael D’Agostino, Executive Counsel Laurelle Ko and Solicitor Yonnie Lipshatz who worked on procurement matters. The team was supported by other members of the practice group, including Partner Kris Percy and Senior Associate Julia Hollis who worked on connection matters and Partner Peter Davis and Michael D’Agostino who advised on AGL Energy’s successful bid for a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) with NSW Government.

Toby Anderson said, “We are delighted to have worked with AGL Energy on this significant energy transition project, which will be Australia’s largest grid-forming battery once constructed. We are also thrilled to have assisted AGL Energy with its first greenfield development at the Hunter Energy Hub and look forward to seeing this project progress.”