The Aurora Energy Precinct has reached a significant milestone – the Stage 1 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has completed all technical requirements set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), advancing the project to commercial transmission access negotiations with ElectraNet.
This follows AEMO’s acceptance of Generator Performance Standards for the Aurora BESS and moves our 140 MW / 280 MWh Stage 1 project to the final stage before a Transmission Connection Agreement (TCA) can be executed.
What the transmission connection means
Subject to completion of commercial negotiations and execution of a TCA, Stage 1 will connect directly to the 275 kV transmission line on Aurora’s eastern boundary. That line services major industrial loads, including BHP’s South Australian copper operations and connects directly into the National Electricity Market (NEM) via Port Augusta.
Aurora will also have access to high-capacity private fibre-optic connectivity via the new Carriewerloo substation, alongside a public transcontinental fibre cable running along the precinct’s western boundary. Combined with contracted water supply from the SA Water pipeline and Crown Sponsorship, Aurora is one of the few undeveloped sites in Australia with transmission access, water, fibre and development approvals at utility scale.
Growing data centre and AI infrastructure demand
Major hyperscalers and AI infrastructure companies — including Anthropic — have publicly indicated requirements for 500 MW-plus sites in Australia. Aurora’s 16 km² footprint and potential to support up to 900 MW of renewable generation positions it within the scale being considered for next-generation AI and hyperscale data centre developments.
Due diligence is currently underway with several data centre and BESS groups for potential significant investment at Aurora.
Commercial negotiations progressing
We are continuing to progress commercial terms with BHP under the previously announced Hill-to-Hill (H2H) term sheet, and with ElectraNet for the substation and TCA. The anticipated completion of the NSW interconnector transmission line is expected to further strengthen the financial case for both generation and firmed energy storage at Aurora.
Our Executive Chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty said:
“Aurora is much more than a battery project. It is a large-scale energy and industrial precinct with the infrastructure foundations that major customers require: transmission access, water, fibre and renewable energy. The interest we are seeing from data centre and energy investors reflects that.”
Aurora’s progression into commercial access negotiations with ElectraNet reflects our broader commitment to commercialising our full technology platform — from SiNTL battery materials for drone and aerospace applications through to large-scale clean energy infrastructure.
Click here to read the full ASX announcement.
For more information on the Aurora Energy Precinct, visit auroraenergyprecinct.com.au