CIP begins building 960 MWh big battery in South Australia
Danish renewables giant Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has officially launched construction of a 240 MW / 960 MWh battery energy storage project in South Australia with the system expected to be operational in 2027.
February 11, 2025 David Carroll
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Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has issued notice to proceed with construction of the 240 MW, four-hour Summerfield battery energy storage system being developed near Mannum in South Australia’s Murrayfields region.
The project is being built on land at Tepko, about 60 kilometres east of state capital Adelaide. CIP said the site is “strategically positioned” near the Tungkillo switching station and the Heywood interconnector that connects the electricity grids in South Australia and Victoria.
CIP said the project, that includes the development of transmission infrastructure, will play an important role in addressing Australia’s rapidly growing need for energy storage capacity to maintain grid reliability and stability.
“The battery will support the South Australian government’s target of 100% net renewable energy by 2027, shifting excess wind and solar energy generated during the day to supply renewable power during peak demand periods,” the company said.
Canadian PV and battery manufacturer Canadian Solar’s e-Storage subsidiary has been appointed construction partner for the Summerfield project and will build and operate the battery. The project will feature the company’s SolBank battery technology.
Jorn Hammer, partner and head of CIP Australia, said Summerfield is the first of multiple large-scale battery projects the company has planned for Australia.
“Australia needs large-scale battery energy storage solutions to stabilise the grid and deliver affordable power to homes and businesses when needed most,” he said.
“This is a significant milestone for the Summerfield project, and CIP’s broader renewable energy pipeline in Australia.”
CIP’s development pipeline in Australia represents more than $100 billion in capital investment across battery storage, offshore and onshore wind, renewable hydrogen, and pumped hydro.
“CIP has a track record of developing, owning and operating renewable projects globally, and we are delighted to bring this expertise to Australia,” Hammer said.
The Summerfield battery is supported by a 10-year offtake agreement with Origin Energy, a deal the electricity generator and retailer said increases its owned and contracted battery portfolio to more than 1.7 GW.
“The Summerfield offtake delivers Origin a portfolio of owned or contracted battery developments in each of Australia’s National Electricity Market states,” Origin said.
“These assets will play an important role in firming renewables and helping maintain reliable power supply for Australians, consistent with our ambition to lead Australia’s energy transition.
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