1414 Degrees (ASX:14D) Surges 20% on AEMO Approval: Is This $9M Energy Stock a Buy?

1414 Degrees wins AEMO approval for Aurora battery link

1414 Degrees (ASX:14D) jumped 20% to A$0.030 on Friday after getting a key approval that brings its Aurora battery project one step closer to reality. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and South Australian grid operator ElectraNet have both accepted the company’s technical standards for connecting a 140 MW battery system to the power grid near Port Augusta.

For a tiny stock worth just A$9.3 million, this approval is a big deal. It confirms the battery can connect to the National Electricity Market without causing problems for other power generators. The question now is whether this small energy company can finally turn years of planning into real revenue.

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Aurora BESS Clears Key Grid Hurdle

The AEMO approval removes a major barrier to getting the Aurora battery connected. Both AEMO and ElectraNet confirmed that the 140 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) won’t harm other generators on the grid. This was a must-have step before the project could move forward.

The Aurora Energy Precinct sits north of Port Augusta in South Australia’s renewable energy zone. The project is owned through a 50/50 joint venture with Nasdaq-listed Vast Renewables, held through a company called SiliconAurora. Together, they have already spent more than A$3.5 million on studies and approvals. While Vast Renewables’ Australian subsidiaries entered voluntary administration in November 2025, 1414 Degrees has confirmed that the SiliconAurora joint venture remains unaffected and continues to progress the battery project independently.

Next up, 1414 Degrees needs to finalise a Transmission Connection Agreement with ElectraNet and conclude negotiations with BHP regarding the reclassification of the existing transmission line to allow open grid access. This will let the company chase power purchase deals with customers. If all goes well, the 140 MW battery (with up to 280 MWh of storage) could supply reliable power to the region.

Why Energy Storage Matters for 1414 Degrees

Australia’s energy market is hungry for battery storage. As more solar and wind farms come online, the grid needs batteries to store power when the sun shines and wind blows, then release it when demand peaks.

A 140 MW battery in a strategic location like Port Augusta could tap into this growing market. Executive Chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty noted that the Aurora site could also support data centre infrastructure in the future, adding another way to make money from the project.

The company also has its own silicon-based thermal storage technology called SiBox, which stores heat for industrial use. While the battery project is the near-term focus, these technologies could provide additional growth options down the track.

The Investor’s Takeaway for 1414 Degrees

We believe this approval is a genuine step forward, but investors need to understand the risks.
On the bull side, one analyst has a price target of A$0.09, which means more than 200% upside from the recent A$0.030 price. Energy storage is booming, and a well-located battery project could attract serious interest from power buyers.

However, the risks are real. 1414 Degrees has no revenue and is losing about A$2 million every six months. With just A$1.8 million in cash, the company will likely need to raise more money, which could dilute shareholders. The stock also trades 94% below its 2018 high of A$0.52, a reminder that early-stage energy projects often disappoint.

Our view: This is a speculative bet for investors who can handle volatility. The AEMO approval is a real catalyst, but there’s still a long way to go. Watch for the Transmission Connection Agreement as the next milestone.