AGL Submits Kangaroo Valley Battery Project for Federal Environmental Review

AGL Energy has advanced its battery storage portfolio by submitting the Kangaroo Valley Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for assessment under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. This move follows the company’s ongoing investigations into additional large-scale battery projects in New South Wales.

The Kangaroo Valley BESS, with a planned capacity of 350 MW and 1,450 MWh, was referred to the federal government on 24 September 2026. The project was self-assessed by AGL as likely requiring federal oversight due to its proximity to threatened species habitats and critically endangered vegetation near Shoalhaven.

In parallel with the Kangaroo Valley submission, AGL is progressing with the Bathurst Battery project in Eglinton, NSW. This facility is designed for a proposed output of 500 MW and 4,000 MWh, with an installed capacity of 5,400 MWh to support long-term operational performance.

AGL stated that the Bathurst Battery project is classified as a State Significant Development under the New South Wales Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. The company is preparing a scoping report to request the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements, which is a step prior to submitting a full Environmental Impact Statement.

What the numbers show

• Kangaroo Valley BESS is planned at 350 MW / 1,450 MWh capacity.
• Bathurst Battery aims for 500 MW / 4,000 MWh, with 5,400 MWh installed.
• Bathurst Battery construction is expected to last about 24 months, starting in late 2028.
• Up to 200 jobs are projected during Bathurst Battery’s construction phase.
• AGL began commissioning the 500 MW / 1,000 MWh Liddell BESS in March 2026.

According to AGL, construction of the Bathurst Battery is anticipated to begin in late 2028, with operations targeted for 2030. The construction phase is expected to create up to 200 jobs, supporting local employment during the build.

The company’s approach to battery storage includes the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry across its pipeline. These batteries are housed in fire-resistant steel containers and feature individual thermal management systems, with a planned operating life of 20 years before decommissioning and site rehabilitation.

Earlier in 2026, AGL began commissioning its 500 MW / 1,000 MWh Liddell BESS, which was constructed on the site of the former Liddell coal-fired power station. This project forms part of AGL’s broader strategy to expand battery storage capacity in Australia.

AGL’s current activities reflect procedural steps required for large-scale energy storage projects, including federal and state environmental assessments and detailed technical planning. The company continues to follow regulatory processes as it advances its energy storage initiatives in New South Wales.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.