The Ulinda Park battery energy storage system, located in Hopeland in the Western Downs region, is now operational and connected to the National Electricity Market. With a capacity of 155 MW / 298 MWh, the facility marks the first commissioning by Akaysha Energy, a Melbourne-based company acquired by U.S. asset manager Blackrock in 2022.
Infrastructure connected to the high-voltage grid
Connected to the Western Downs substation via network operator Powerlink, the battery supports the grid by delivering energy shifting and frequency control services. Akaysha stated that the system uses the local transmission hub to reinforce renewable energy integration, reduce generation curtailment, and limit price spikes during peak demand periods.
The project is backed by a 10-year battery revenue swap agreement with Re2 Capital, a Bermuda-based risk transfer platform. The agreement secures long-term financial visibility while maintaining Akaysha’s operational flexibility across energy and ancillary service markets.
Planned expansion through federal CIS mechanism
Akaysha recently secured a successful bid under the federal Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), allowing for an additional 195 MW / 780 MWh to be added at the Ulinda Park site. Once completed, the facility’s total capacity will reach 350 MW / 1,078 MWh, positioning it as a strategic storage hub for Queensland.
Akaysha Energy Chief Executive Officer Nick Carter stated that the scale-up aims to improve grid stability across the region and provide new risk management tools to market participants. Akaysha now manages a portfolio of 11 projects across Australia.
Development pipeline continues despite technical delays
Among its ongoing developments is the Waratah Super Battery, expected to reach 850 MW / 1,680 MWh, currently under construction on the Central Coast of New South Wales. The project has faced delays after a high-voltage transformer failure during final testing.
Akaysha is also developing the Orana storage system (415 MW / 1,660 MWh) in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. The project has secured a joint state-federal underwriting agreement and a 12-year virtual offtake contract with EnergyAustralia.
The company is also nearing completion of the Brendale battery energy storage system (205 MW / 410 MWh), located in southeast Queensland. This project complements Akaysha’s rapid large-scale storage rollout across the country.
