Aurora Precinct Advances with 140MW Battery and Thermal Storage Plans
1414 Degrees advances its Aurora Energy Precinct with conditional approval for a major battery storage system and ongoing thermal energy storage development.
- Conditional approval received for 140 MW / 280 MWh battery energy storage system
- Development of long-duration thermal energy storage facility progressing independently
- Aurora Precinct strategically positioned near new Northern Transmission Project line
- Engagement planned with data centres and high-demand users to refine precinct infrastructure
- Final investment decision and connection agreement execution are key upcoming milestones
Aurora Precinct Update
1414 Degrees Ltd (ASX, 14D) has provided a significant update on its Aurora Energy Precinct, a cornerstone project in its strategy to deliver long-duration energy storage and industrial decarbonisation solutions. Managed through the joint venture SiliconAurora Pty Ltd, the precinct is located in South Australia’s Upper Spencer Gulf Renewable Energy Zone, a region rapidly emerging as a renewable energy hub.
The company announced that its 140 MW / 280 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) has satisfied the technical requirements for conditional approval, marking a critical step forward in the precinct’s staged development. This battery system is designed to provide firm renewable power, supporting grid stability and enabling greater integration of intermittent renewable sources.
Thermal Energy Storage and Strategic Positioning
Alongside the BESS, 1414 Degrees is independently advancing a long-duration thermal energy storage (TES) facility at the site. This technology, based on the company’s proprietary silicon-based solutions, aims to store renewable electricity as latent heat, which can be dispatched on demand. The TES facility is envisioned to complement the battery system and enhance the precinct’s ability to supply consistent, decarbonised energy.
The precinct’s location is particularly strategic, situated near the planned Northern Transmission Project high-voltage line expected to be completed by 2030. This infrastructure will enhance the precinct’s capacity to deliver firm renewable power not only locally but also to the broader National Electricity Market, potentially attracting high-demand users such as data centres.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Looking ahead, 1414 Degrees plans to finalise the investment decision for the BESS procurement and construction, alongside executing the connection agreement. The company is also actively engaging with data centres and other large energy consumers to refine the precinct’s development concept, leveraging its existing fibre-optic connectivity and transmission access.
This update underscores 1414 Degrees’ commitment to industrial decarbonisation and renewable energy integration, positioning the Aurora Energy Precinct as a potential flagship project in Australia’s energy transition. The combination of battery and thermal storage technologies could offer a versatile and reliable energy solution in a market increasingly focused on sustainability and grid resilience.
Bottom Line?
1414 Degrees’ progress at Aurora signals a pivotal moment for renewable storage and regional energy transformation.
Questions in the middle?
- When will the final investment decision for the BESS be announced?
- How will the integration of TES and BESS technologies impact operational efficiency and costs?
- What level of interest and commitment has been secured from data centres and other high-demand users?
