(Port of Newcastle)
Newy 87.8 FM – Port of Newcastle has become the first port in New South Wales approved to store lithium-ion batteries, following an approval granted by the NSW Government in late 2025 after extensive collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
The capability has already enabled the port to receive and store batteries destined for three of the State's largest battery projects – AGL's Tomago Battery, Origin Energy's Eraring Battery and the Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System.
Together, the projects represent approximately 1.7GW of dispatchable capacity and 6.8GWh of energy storage – enough to power more than one million homes for four hours during periods of peak demand.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the approval was another important step in the port's diversification strategy. "These are complex cargoes that require specialist handling, purpose-built infrastructure and the right safety systems," he said.
The announcement comes as the NSW Government approved the Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar Project under the State's Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Demand has grown rapidly since the approval, with the port now receiving battery shipments for projects across its catchment while continuing to handle wind energy components for renewable developments throughout NSW.
To support the growth, the port is investing in expanded infrastructure at its Multipurpose Terminal, including a $36 million berth extension to accommodate larger vessels.
Construction is underway on AGL's 500MW/2000MWh Tomago Battery, expected to be operational in the second half of 2027.
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