Australia approves 4.2 GW of energy storage under Capacity Investment Scheme
The Australian Government has approved 15 projects under Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) Tender 8 – National Electricity Market (NEM) Dispatchable, adding 4.2 GW of dispatchable capacity and 16.1 GWh of energy storage. Announced on June 24, 2026, the projects are expected to provide enough storage to supply around four hours of electricity to 3.7 million homes during periods of peak demand.
According to the government, the selected projects are expected to unlock AUD 6 billion (USD 4.1 billion) in private investment. Each project remains subject to the execution of a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement (CISA). The government has also encouraged unsuccessful applicants to participate in future tenders.
Selected projects
Ampyr emerged as the largest successful bidder, securing four battery energy storage projects with a combined capacity of 1,425 MW/5,163 MWh. The projects include the 300 MW/600 MWh Bulabul 1 Battery in New South Wales, the 350 MW/1,428 MWh Grahams Battery and 400 MW/1,602 MWh Rutherglen Battery in Queensland, and the 375 MW/1,533 MWh Wimpole Battery in Victoria.
Potentia Energy secured three Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects with a combined capacity of 480 MW/1,928 MWh. These include the 125 MW/508 MWh Blanche BESS and the 225 MW/900 MWh Emeroo BESS in South Australia, along with the 130 MW/520 MWh Ridgey Creek BESS in New South Wales.
Edify Energy was awarded two projects in Queensland: the 250 MW/1,000 MWh Ganymirra Energy Storage System and the 250 MW/1,000 MWh Major Creek Energy Storage System.
Other successful developers include Eku Energy (300 MW/1,160 MWh Byellee BESS), Ascera Energy (400 MW/1,600 MWh Gleston Energy Park), Equis Australia (200 MW/800 MWh Melbourne RE Hub Side B), HMC Capital (300 MW/1,200 MWh Moorabool Battery), Akaysha Energy (250 MW/1,000 MWh Oakly Creek BESS) and Lightsource bp (350 MW/1,223 MWh Woonga Creek Battery).
Queensland accounted for the largest share of the approved capacity with seven projects totalling 2,150 MW/8,413 MWh, followed by Victoria with 875 MW/3,533 MWh, New South Wales with 830 MW/2,270 MWh and South Australia with 350 MW/1,408 MWh.
Upcoming tenders
The Australian Government has also outlined the next rounds under the CIS. Tender 9 – NEM Generation, covering 5 GW of generation capacity, opened on May 25, 2026, with bids closing on July 20, 2026. Tender 10 – NEM Dispatchable, targeting 4 GW/16 GWh of dispatchable capacity, is scheduled to open in June 2026, with bids closing on August 18, 2026.
The CIS forms part of Australia’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
