Essential Energy is market testing battery storage solutions to expedite the infrastructure needed to support the balance of energy generation and usage within communities. With rooftop solar generation increasing across the electricity grid, we need to capture and store the excess energy so it can be used to support the network when it is needed. Energy storage is key to managing the power system as more localised generation comes into the grid, and we need more of it at all levels – from network-scale large systems to pole-mounted neighbourhood systems.

We are seeking interest from potential partners who can support the expansion of the installed capacity of battery energy storage systems (BESS) connected across our distribution network.

At this stage, the Expressions of Interest (EOI) for parties interested in being awarded a development licence to develop, deliver and operate BESS on land which Essential Energy owns, has now closed. The process will move to the next stage of the competitive market process once EOI responses have been evaluated.

Market Briefing

A market briefing was held on the 3 March 2025.
Download a copy of the presentation from the briefing 

More information

If you have any questions about developing your own BESS sites within our network area please contact our Major Connections team at [email protected].

If you have any questions about the Distributed Connected Storage market process please contact us at [email protected].