The Reeves Plains Energy Hub is an energy infrastructure development by Alinta Energy in South Australia.
The project integrates a 300MW open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) power station with a grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS).
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It is designed to provide generation and storage capacity to support the increasing share of renewable energy in the grid while maintaining system stability and addressing peak demand requirements.
Project Location
The Reeves Plains Energy Hub is located near Reeves Plains, approximately 60km north of Adelaide, South Australia.
The site has access to the South Australian gas pipeline network and is positioned to connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) via existing 275kV transmission infrastructure.
The project occupies around 25 hectares, with designated areas for the gas turbines, battery modules, control rooms, substations, and supporting infrastructure.
Financing and Ownership
The Reeves Plains Energy Hub is wholly owned and financed by Alinta Energy, a subsidiary of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.
The combined investment for the gas power station and battery project is estimated to exceed A$450m.
Funding includes internal capital and debt financing from Australian financial institutions. No direct government subsidies have been allocated for the project.
Reeves Plains Energy Hub Capacity and Infrastructure
The energy hub consists of two major components: the Reeves Plains Gas Power Station and the Reeves Plains Battery. The gas power station will provide up to 300MW of electricity using Siemens SGT5-2000E open-cycle gas turbines.
The turbines can reach full load within ten minutes, enabling rapid response to grid fluctuations.
Supporting infrastructure includes a cooling pond, demineralised water tanks, a control room, access roads, screening vegetation, and perimeter fencing.
The Reeves Plains Battery Project will be developed in stages. Stage 1 will deliver a 250MW / 1000MWh system, followed by Stage 2 to achieve a combined 500MW / 2000MWh capacity with four hours of storage duration.
Stage 1 includes approximately 194 Tesla Megapack battery modules and 89 inverters, connected via a newly constructed substation.
Additional site elements include water storage for cooling and fire protection, site lighting, fencing, and landscaped screening to mitigate visual impact.
Development and Timeline
The project received development approval from the South Australian Government in 2018. Alinta Energy announced financial close in 2023 after completing feasibility studies and engaging in community consultation.
Construction of the gas power station commenced in late 2023 and is scheduled for commissioning in late 2025. Stage 1 of the battery project will begin in early 2026, with operations expected by 2028.
Stage 2 will proceed depending on market demand and grid requirements. Environmental management measures have been implemented to address noise, emissions, traffic, and ecological considerations during construction and operation.
Reeves Plains Energy Hub Technological Details
The OCGT plant operates on natural gas and has been designed with the potential to integrate hydrogen blends as the energy market transitions.
The turbines’ fast-start capability supports grid stability during peak demand or renewable energy shortfalls.
The Reeves Plains Battery Project uses Tesla Megapacks equipped with energy management software to optimise storage and discharge cycles.
The battery system will provide grid services such as frequency control, voltage support, and renewable energy firming.
Power Purchase Agreements
Alinta Energy has not disclosed specific power purchase agreements for the Reeves Plains Energy Hub. The company plans to operate the hub on a merchant basis, participating in the NEM spot market to supply electricity during periods of high demand and price volatility.
Contractors Involved
Siemens Energy is supplying the SGT5-2000E turbines for the gas plant. Tesla has been contracted to provide Megapack battery technology for the BESS.
Fluor Corporation serves as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the gas facility.
Alinta Energy has selected GenusPlus Group to help construct the first phase of the Reeves Plains Energy Hub Battery.
The battery modules were supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), while the inverters were provided by Power Electronics.
Local subcontractors are supporting site preparation, civil works, and related services.
