A colossal transformer is causing a spectacle on the roads of Victoria and New South Wales as it journeys to Lake Munmorah, central coast of New South Wales. Unlike their toy counterparts, real transformers require monster trucks and logistical marvels for transportation. This 477-ton "superload," equivalent to two blue whales with a calf, plays a pivotal role in the Waratah Super Battery project, expected to be one of the world's largest and most powerful battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The Waratah Super Battery, a $1 billion project by Akaysha Energy, is being constructed at the former Munmorah coal-fired power station at Colongra. This endeavor is crucial for the NSW Government's strategy to secure electricity supply as coal-fired power stations close.

In an online post, Akaysha Energy expressed enthusiasm for the journey: "Did someone say road trip? A transport combination measuring approximately 125m long and around 6m wide, carrying one of three high voltage 350 MVA transformers, has departed from Wilson Transformer Company Victoria and is on its way up the Hume Hwy."

The transformer is anticipated to reach Lake Munmorah on February 5, drawing attention along the route.

“It’s exciting to see one of the largest BESS high voltage transformers begin its journey to Waratah and to also witness the community excitement with people lining the streets to catch a glimpse of this important piece of energy infrastructure,” said Akaysha Energy CEO Nick Carter.

Travelling via Albury/Wodonga, Gundagai, Goulbourn, Campbelltown, and Mooney Mooney, the transformer's journey is a notable feat. Two more high voltage transformers will follow suit.

The Waratah Super Battery, approved to be 850MW with an energy storage capacity of 1680 MWh, will cover 16.65 hectares with 2600 containerised lithium-ion batteries. The project includes a 330kV switchyard and a 650m long transmission line connecting it to the Munmorah substation. Construction commenced in June 2023, and the battery will operate as part of a System Integrity Protection Scheme enhancing transmission capacity to the existing network.

Source: cosmosmagazine.com