New Power New Era in Collie WA
Updated: Aug 20
Collie's Big Battery: A New Era of Energy
When most people think of Collie, they picture the Collie River, the Wellington Dam, wildflowers, mountain bike trails, and our famous mural trail. But on a recent Synergy tour of Collie's Big Battery, I discovered something that is quietly reshaping the identity of this town. It's just as jaw-dropping as anything you'll find in the bush.
From Coal to Clean Energy
Collie has a rich history of powering Western Australia. The old MUJA Collie Power Station, with its familiar hulking silhouette on the edge of town, is scheduled to close. However, instead of leaving Collie behind, the state government has made a bold decision: to plant Australia's biggest battery right here, on the same land where cows and coal once reigned. The Synergy Collie Battery Energy Storage System (CBESS) is now fully operational, and the numbers are staggering. We're talking 500 megawatts of power and 2,400 megawatt hours of storage—enough to power around 785,000 homes for over four hours. That's not a typo! It's one of the largest grid-scale operational batteries on the planet.
The Construction Marvel
Imagine 640 sea containers and a $1.6 billion investment standing on site. During the Synergy tour, what strikes you first is the power grid and the incoming and outgoing electricity. The battery consists of 640 containerized battery units. Picture rows upon rows of large shipping containers, each packed with lithium iron phosphate cells made by CATL, the world's leading battery manufacturer. Day in and day out, trucks arrive with these white boxes and heavy loads, tackling the gradient of the Darling Escarpment. They now sit in neat rows next to one of three power stations—a powerful visual of old energy meeting new.
The whole project cost over $1.6 billion and created around 500 construction jobs, with local Collie and regional workers among those employed. For a regional town navigating a significant economic transition, that's meaningful.
What It Actually Does
Here's the clever part, and this matters for anyone who has rooftop solar at home. During the day, when the sun is shining and solar panels across WA generate more electricity than people use, all that excess energy has to go somewhere. The battery absorbs it. Then, in the evening, when everyone gets home and demand spikes, the battery discharges it back into the grid. Clean, stored energy is released right when it's needed most. It's essentially a giant version of the home battery in your garage—just enough to power thousands of homes instead of one.
Collie: Still at the Heart of WA's Energy Story
What I love most as a guide is meeting people who are genuinely curious about our future. I enjoy watching them leave with a fresh, renewed perspective. During a coffee stop on a Mural Town Tour, Joseph remarked on his three-day stay in Collie, saying, "The food is great, the preservation of heritage buildings is impressive, but it's the people that make it!"
Collie isn't getting left behind in the energy transition. The town that once lit WA's homes through coal is now doing the same through stored sunshine and wind—from rooftop to rooftop.
The Legacy of the Old Power Station
And what about that old 1966 coal power station? The building that has been the backdrop of this town for generations? It's still standing, a remarkable piece of living industrial heritage. One day, it might just become another landmark on the Collie mural trail.
If you're planning a trip to Collie, it's worth adding the opencut coal mine, located 18 km west of Collie. Here, you can stand in awe of the BIG DIGGER 900 P&H Electric Shovel. Collie has always been a working town; it just changed what it's working on.
Embracing the Future
As we look ahead, Collie stands at the forefront of a new energy era. The transition from coal to renewable energy is not just a change in resources; it's a shift in mindset. The community is embracing this transformation, and the Big Battery is a symbol of hope and innovation.
The journey of Collie is a testament to resilience. It reminds us that change can lead to exciting opportunities. As we explore the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of this region, we can also celebrate the strides being made toward a sustainable future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Collie's Big Battery is more than just a power source; it's a beacon of change. It represents a community's commitment to evolving with the times while honoring its past. So, whether you're an adventure-seeker or a nature lover, Collie invites you to witness this remarkable transformation. Come and experience the blend of history and innovation that defines this unique town.
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