The federal government has greenlit two major battery storage projects under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, including a groundbreaking solar hybrid design that requires no concrete footings and can be installed entirely by robots.
These approvals mark a significant acceleration in Australia’s energy storage deployment, with the innovative project expected to drastically reduce construction timelines and environmental impact.
Project Details
The first project is a standard large-scale lithium-ion battery, located in regional New South Wales, with a capacity of 200 MW / 400 MWh. The second is a 150 MW solar-plus-storage hybrid that uses a patented anchoring system instead of concrete foundations.
According to the developer, this robot-ready design allows for rapid, low-impact assembly. 'We can deploy the entire array in weeks, not months, with minimal ground disturbance,' said Mark Evans, CEO of the project developer.
Expert Reactions
Energy storage analyst Dr. Sarah Thompson called the approvals 'a clear signal that the EPBC process can work for cutting-edge renewable projects.' She added: 'The concrete-free design is a game-changer for sensitive ecosystems.'
Environmental groups have cautiously welcomed the news, noting that the robot assembly further reduces on-site emissions and worker safety risks.
Background
The EPBC Act requires federal environmental assessment for projects that could significantly impact nationally protected matters. Historically, approval times for battery projects have been criticized as too slow.
These two projects were fast-tracked under recent reforms aimed at streamlining clean energy infrastructure. The solar hybrid is among the first to embed robotic construction from the design phase.
The company has not disclosed the exact location of the hybrid plant, but sources indicate it will be near an existing solar farm in inland Queensland.
What This Means
By eliminating concrete footings, the hybrid project avoids approximately 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions from cement production alone. The robotic assembly cuts labor costs by an estimated 40% and reduces construction time by up to 60%.
For the national grid, these batteries add substantial storage capacity to support renewables during peak demand. The projects will also create around 300 jobs during construction and 50 permanent roles for operations.
As the energy transition accelerates, this novel approach could set a new standard for how storage is built in environmentally sensitive areas.
This story will be updated as more details emerge. Read more in our background section above.