Port of Newcastle (PON) has become the first port in NSW approved to safely store grid-scale lithium-ion batteries at its Mayfield Multipurpose Terminal. This approval further strengthens the Port's position as the State's leading logistics gateway for renewable energy infrastructure, providing project owners greater flexibility in the delivery of critical energy projects.
The announcement comes as the NSW Government today approved the Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar Project, another major milestone under the State's Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. As projects like Stratford progress from planning to construction, PON is playing an increasingly important role by providing the logistics capability to safely receive, store and distribute the equipment needed to deliver them.
The approval for battery storage, granted by the NSW Government in late 2025 and following extensive collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, has already enabled PON 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 Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System.
Together, these projects represent approximately 1.7GW of dispatchable capacity and 6.8GWh of energy storage enough stored electricity to power over one million homes for four hours during periods of peak demand.
The battery storage capability builds on PON's established role handling oversized renewable energy cargo, including wind turbine components for projects across NSW, further demonstrating the Port's unmatched capability in safely managing complex project cargo and supporting the diversification of the State's energy supply.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said becoming the first port in New South Wales approved to store lithium-ion batteries was another important step in the Port's diversification strategy.
"This isn't just a milestone for Port of Newcastle – it's yet another way we're helping customers deliver the infrastructure NSW needs to support a more diverse energy mix.
"These are complex cargoes that require specialist handling, purpose-built infrastructure and the right safety systems. We've invested in that capability because we see where the market is heading and what our customers will need.
"Whether it's wind turbine components, grid-scale batteries or other major project cargo, PON has built a reputation for handling complex logistics safely, efficiently and reliably. That's why project owners continue choosing to bring this cargo through Newcastle."
Mr Carmody said the achievement reflected the strength of the Port's long-standing partnerships with industry and government.
"Projects like these only happen when industry and government work together.
"We're proud to support companies like AGL and other project owners delivering critical energy infrastructure across NSW, and we appreciate the collaborative approach taken by Minister Paul Scully, the Minns Labor Government and NSW Government agencies.
"Their support has helped create the right conditions for PON to invest in new capability and continue building the infrastructure that supports the State's energy future."
Demand for the capability has grown rapidly since approval, with PON now receiving battery shipments for projects across its catchment while continuing to handle wind energy components supporting renewable energy developments throughout NSW.
To support this growth, PON is investing in expanded infrastructure at its Multipurpose Terminal, including the current $36 million berth extension project to accommodate larger vessels and exploring increasing capacity for project cargo and battery storage.
These investments form part of the Port's broader diversification strategy, strengthening its ability to support emerging industries while maintaining its position as Australia's largest coal export port and a critical trade gateway for traditional bulk commodities, including continued strong coal and grain exports.
AGL's?Chief Operations and Construction Officer, Matthew Currie, said:
"Our grid-scale battery fleet is growing,?with construction underway on AGL's 500 MW/ 2000 MWh Tomago Battery, which is expected to be operational in the second half of 2027.
"Grid-scale?batteries are?critical to?Australia's energy transition, supporting reliability and stability?by dispatching energy when customers and the grid need it.
"As we prepare for the installation of?more than?400?lithium-ion battery units to form the Tomago Battery, the ability to safely receive and temporarily store battery?units and other?components?at the Port of Newcastle is providing important flexibility for our project?team."?
We thank the Port of Newcastle for being the Platinum Sponsor of the Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference in Sydney on 27–28 August 2026 and look forward to the Keynote address from their CEO, Craig Carmody. |
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