BW ESS has acquired the 250 MW/1,000 MWh Yanco Battery Energy Storage System from ACEnergy, taking the project through construction and into long-term operations in New South Wales, Australia.
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ACEnergy developed Yanco from origination to ready-to-build, securing land, planning approval, grid connection and the project's key contracts before reaching financial close, its fifth large-scale BESS to do so. The project will connect to the Yanco 132 kV substation, providing firming capacity, energy arbitrage and system security services to the National Electricity Market, with capacity to supply around 430,000 homes for four hours once operational.
Site construction is set to begin later this year, with commercial operation planned for 2028. CATL has been appointed system integrator and ACLE Services balance-of-plant contractor, both also handling long-term operations and maintenance. Revenues are underpinned by a capacity swap, giving the project long-term contracted cash flow.
Community ties stay in place
BW ESS is taking on the community commitments ACEnergy established during development, including a $3 million Voluntary Planning Agreement with Leeton Shire Council, alongside continued local engagement and a focus on local employment and procurement.
"Financial close on Yanco BESS is a significant milestone for ACEnergy and a strong endorsement of our platform. We have taken the project from origination through to ready-to-build, working closely with the local community and stakeholders along the way," said Raymond Wang, Managing Director of ACEnergy. "BW ESS has a strong track record of delivering and operating major energy storage projects, and the capability and resources to realise Yanco's full potential. We are delighted to partner with them as the project moves into construction and towards long-term operation."
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The acquisition adds to a BW ESS Australian portfolio that already spans 1.3 GWh in the commissioning phase, 1 GWh entering construction, and a greenfield pipeline of around 2 GW across the National Electricity Market.
"We're pleased to welcome Yanco BESS to BW ESS's growing Australian portfolio. As a long-term owner and operator of energy-storage assets, our priority is to progress the project responsibly, establish strong local relationships and deliver enduring value for the electricity system," said Andy Hadland, Executive Director at BW ESS. "Australia's investment in a more flexible and reliable power system creates a compelling role for battery storage, and we are delighted to support that transition through Yanco BESS." (TF)
