Aurora advances to commercial power transmission negotiations as data centre interest grows

Aurora advances to commercial power transmission negotiations as data centre interest grows

The Aurora Energy Precinct has reached a significant milestone – the Stage 1 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has completed all technical requirements set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), advancing the project to commercial transmission access negotiations with ElectraNet.

This follows AEMO’s acceptance of Generator Performance Standards for the Aurora BESS and moves our 140 MW / 280 MWh Stage 1 project to the final stage before a Transmission Connection Agreement (TCA) can be executed.

What the transmission connection means

Subject to completion of commercial negotiations and execution of a TCA, Stage 1 will connect directly to the 275 kV transmission line on Aurora’s eastern boundary. That line services major industrial loads, including BHP’s South Australian copper operations and connects directly into the National Electricity Market (NEM) via Port Augusta.

Aurora will also have access to high-capacity private fibre-optic connectivity via the new Carriewerloo substation, alongside a public transcontinental fibre cable running along the precinct’s western boundary. Combined with contracted water supply from the SA Water pipeline and Crown Sponsorship, Aurora is one of the few undeveloped sites in Australia with transmission access, water, fibre and development approvals at utility scale.

Growing data centre and AI infrastructure demand

Major hyperscalers and AI infrastructure companies — including Anthropic — have publicly indicated requirements for 500 MW-plus sites in Australia. Aurora’s 16 km² footprint and potential to support up to 900 MW of renewable generation positions it within the scale being considered for next-generation AI and hyperscale data centre developments.

Due diligence is currently underway with several data centre and BESS groups for potential significant investment at Aurora.

Commercial negotiations progressing

We are continuing to progress commercial terms with BHP under the previously announced Hill-to-Hill (H2H) term sheet, and with ElectraNet for the substation and TCA. The anticipated completion of the NSW interconnector transmission line is expected to further strengthen the financial case for both generation and firmed energy storage at Aurora.

Our Executive Chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty said:

“Aurora is much more than a battery project. It is a large-scale energy and industrial precinct with the infrastructure foundations that major customers require: transmission access, water, fibre and renewable energy. The interest we are seeing from data centre and energy investors reflects that.”

Aurora’s progression into commercial access negotiations with ElectraNet reflects our broader commitment to commercialising our full technology platform — from SiNTL battery materials for drone and aerospace applications through to large-scale clean energy infrastructure.

Click here to read the full ASX announcement.

For more information on the Aurora Energy Precinct, visit auroraenergyprecinct.com.au

Advancing Aurora and SiNTL: $2.69m placement secured

Advancing Aurora and SiNTL: $2.69m placement secured

1414 Degrees has secured firm commitments to raise $2.69 million (before costs) through a placement to sophisticated and institutional investors.

The funding will support near-term commercial and technical milestones across the Company’s integrated clean energy platform, with a focus on the Aurora Energy Precinct and SiNTL™ battery materials program.

Advancing Aurora

Funds will be used to progress Aurora’s transmission connection, a key step in enabling the approved 140 MW / 280 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The Company will also move to regain 100% ownership and control of the Aurora Precinct, positioning the project for further development and customer engagement.

Aurora remains a strategically located energy and industrial site designed to support firmed renewable electricity for high-demand users, including industrial and energy-intensive operations.

Progressing SiNTL

Alongside Aurora, the Company will continue advancing its SiNTL™ silicon anode materials program, including:

  • scale-up activities

  • preparation for customer engagement

  • ongoing performance development

This work is aimed at positioning SiNTL within the growing market for higher energy density lithium-ion batteries.

Integrated platform

1414 Degrees continues to develop its broader platform across:

  • grid-scale battery storage (BESS)
  • thermal energy storage (SiBox®)
  • hydrogen and carbon production (SiPHyR®)
  • advanced battery materials (SiNTL™)

These technologies are designed to work together, leveraging silicon-based systems to store, convert and enhance energy across industrial applications.

Executive Chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty said,

“This Placement enables us to progress key near-term milestones across both Aurora and SiNTL, with a clear focus on commercial outcomes.

At Aurora, we are advancing transmission connection and customer engagement, while our SiNTL program continues to move toward market-facing milestones.

With multiple workstreams underway, the Company is entering a period of increased activity across both infrastructure and technology development.”

Aurora Battery Project Clears Key Connection Milestone

Aurora Battery Project Clears Key Connection Milestone

We are pleased to announce that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has accepted the proposed Generator Performance Standards for the 140 MW Aurora Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), in accordance with the National Electricity Rules.

ElectraNet, South Australia’s transmission network service provider, has also confirmed acceptance of the full Generator Performance Standards package. This acceptance is valid for 12 months, subject to execution of a Transmission Connection Agreement (TCA).

Both AEMO and ElectraNet have advised that connection of the Aurora BESS will not result in an adverse system strength impact on other existing or committed generating systems.

1414 Degrees manages the BESS project and the broader Aurora Renewable Energy Precinct on behalf of SiliconAurora Pty Ltd (SiAu), which holds the Crown Lease over the 15.8-hectare site. To date, SiAu has invested over $3.5 million in generator studies and regulatory approvals to advance the development of the Precinct.

Following this milestone, AEMO has advised that its final due diligence assessment will commence once final technical models and detailed design information are submitted. In parallel, we will progress remaining technical deliverables and work toward finalising the Transmission Connection Agreement, enabling advancement of power purchase agreement (PPA) discussions with customers.

As previously announced, separate negotiations are required with the current sole user of the existing transmission line to enable reclassification of the line as a Dedicated Connection Asset, allowing open access to the National Electricity Market. The Company remains confident that agreement will be reached.

This connection milestone represents the first component of a broader Continuous Energy Hub planned for the Aurora Precinct. As outlined in the our announcement dated 9 January 2026, the site has potential to support future data centre and other developments, subject to commercial arrangements. This potential is underpinned by increasing global investment in AI-driven digital infrastructure and demand for firm, reliable electricity supply.

1414 Degrees Executive Chairman, Dr Kevin Moriarty, said:

“This milestone represents a critical regulatory step forward and allows the Aurora Precinct to move toward commencement in 2026. In addition to revenue from the BESS, it supports broader development opportunities, including data centre potential previously outlined by the Company.”

Read the full ASX Release here.

Aurora Energy Precinct transmission access update

Aurora Energy Precinct transmission access update

1414 Degrees Ltd is pleased to advise that its joint venture SiliconAurora Pty Ltd, owned equally with Vast Renewables Limited (Vast), has entered into a term sheet with Vast Solar and OZ Minerals Services Pty Ltd , a subsidiary of BHP Group Limited (BHP). The Term Sheet sets out an in-principle process in respect of SiliconAurora and Vast Solar potentially obtaining access to the ElectraNet owned 275kV Hill-to-Hill Transmission Line (H2H) to connect the initial stages of the Aurora Energy Precinct.

The Term Sheet provides for SiliconAurora, Vast Solar and OZM to enter into negotiations for a possible binding agreement by 30 September 2024 (which date can be extended by mutual agreement) that would be intended to govern the arrangements between those parties in relation to access arrangements to the H2H.

Approval for access to the H2H is required from both ElectraNet and the sole customer on the line, OZ Minerals, which was acquired by the BHP group in May 2023. The H2H currently services the two BHP group mines in the north of South Australia, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, SiliconAurora and Vast Solar will commission an independent technical review to assess the risks associated with the proposed connections. The Term Sheet is subject to certain termination scenarios, including if OZM, in its absolute discretion, is not satisfied with the risks associated with the proposed connections to the H2H, following the independent technical review.

As previously announced, SiliconAurora has submitted a transmission connection application to ElectraNet for a 140MW/280MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to connect to the NEM through the H2H line. The application is in progress.

About Aurora Energy Precinct

The Precinct is owned by SiliconAurora, a joint venture between 1414 Degrees Ltd and Vast Renewables Limited which plans to develop a 140MW/280MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) on the site.  Acquired by 14D in November 2019 through the purchase of Solar Reserve Australia II Pty Ltd, now known as SiliconAurora Pty Ltd, the Precinct had Development Approval for 150MW Concentrated Solar Power and 70 MW PV electricity generation. Subsequently, 14D obtained approvals for a 140MW/280MWh BESS and a grid scale SiBox pilot, 14D’s latent heat battery technology. In 2022 Vast acquired a 50% interest in SiliconAurora Pty Ltd from 14D and obtained approvals for its modular concentrated solar technology and a pilot solar methanol plant.