Image for illustrative purposes

Akaysha Energy has confirmed that production of a replacement high-voltage transformer for the Waratah Super Battery is now underway, following the failure of one of the site’s critical units in 2025.

Wilson Transformer Company (WTC), headquartered in Victoria, has commenced manufacturing the new HVT3 transformer. Delivery to the New South Wales battery energy storage system (BESS), located about 100 kilometres north of Sydney at the former Munmorah coal-fired power station site, is scheduled for Q3 2026.

The 850 MW / 1,680 MWh project relies on three high-voltage transformers — HVT1, HVT2 and HVT3. HVT3 experienced a significant internal fault in October 2025 that damaged its windings and caused an overpressure event, resulting in a rupture of the tank wall and oil release within the site’s bunded area. Investigations into the cause remain ongoing.

Akaysha Energy said a second transformer, HVT2, also remains offline and is undergoing remediation as part of a broader program of work to return all three units to service later in 2026.

Currently, the Waratah Super Battery is operating with one transformer in service and is meeting approximately half of its System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS) obligations at 350 MW. The remaining capacity of the 850 MW installation is expected to come online by the end of 2026.

Source: pv-magazine-australia.com