THE PORT of Newcastle has become the first port in NSW approved to store grid-scale lithium-ion batteries safely at its Mayfield Multipurpose Terminal, adding to its role in handling renewable energy project cargo.
The approval, granted by the NSW Government in late 2025 following collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, has already enabled the port to receive and store batteries for three major projects: AGL’s Tomago Battery, Origin Energy’s Eraring Battery and the Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System.
Together, the projects represent about 1.7GW of dispatchable capacity and 6.8GWh of energy storage — enough to power more than one million homes for four hours during peak demand.
The announcement comes as the NSW Government this week approved of the Stratford Pumped Hydro and Solar Project under the State’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. As projects such as Stratford move from planning to construction, the Port of Newcastle is positioning itself as a logistics hub for the receipt, storage and distribution of major energy infrastructure.
The battery storage approval builds on the port’s existing role in handling oversized renewable energy cargo, including wind turbine components for projects across NSW.
Port of Newcastle chief executive Craig Carmody said the approval marked a further 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, Port of Newcastle 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 development also reflected ongoing collaboration between 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 increased since approval, with Port of Newcastle receiving battery shipments for projects across its catchment while continuing to handle wind energy cargo for renewable developments across the state.
To support that growth, the port is investing in expanded infrastructure at its Multipurpose Terminal, including a $36 million berth extension project to accommodate larger vessels, while also assessing additional capacity for project cargo and battery storage.
The investment forms part of the port’s broader diversification strategy as it supports emerging industries while maintaining its role as Australia’s largest coal export port and a trade gateway for bulk commodities, including coal and grain.
AGL chief operations and construction officer Matthew Currie said the storage approval would provide greater flexibility for the Tomago Battery project.
“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.”