PLUS Grid Storage has officially started construction of the 200 MW/400 MWh Steel River East Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Newcastle, New South Wales. The large-scale battery project is being developed at 1 McIntosh Drive in Mayfield West, within the Steel River Industrial Estate and the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone.
The Steel River East BESS is designed to strengthen the reliability and resilience of the local electricity network. The system will store electricity when demand is low and release it back to the grid during periods of higher demand, helping improve network stability and support the integration of renewable energy.
The project received approval from the NSW Independent Planning Commission in March 2026. The approved development includes the 200 MW/400 MWh battery system along with associated infrastructure and electricity grid connection works at the existing Mayfield West electricity substation.
Steel River East will include 112 battery units, together with a control and switch room and an on-site workshop for operation and maintenance. Construction is now underway, with the project expected to be completed and the battery energised in 2027. Recent project updates indicate that commissioning is expected in late 2027.
The project marks an important milestone for PLUS Grid Storage, as Steel River East is its first project to move into delivery. The company is focused on developing and operating distribution-connected, grid-scale battery storage projects designed to strengthen electricity networks and enable greater use of renewable energy.
The development of Steel River East highlights the growing role of large-scale battery storage in Australia’s energy transition. By storing surplus electricity and supplying it when required, the BESS can provide greater flexibility to the electricity network while supporting the increasing integration of renewable generation across New South Wales.
