New Battery Energy Storage System project in VIC to create over 100 jobs

A new battery energy storage system in Tarrone is being fast-tracked through the Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Program, taking it a step closer to commencing construction. 

This is part of the State Government’s commitment to get more renewable energy projects off the ground to provide cheaper and cleaner energy to households across Victoria. 

Global Power Generation’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project will have the capacity to store up to 200MWh of energy during times of high generation and supply energy to about 69,000 households at peak demand times. 

The battery will soak up and store renewable energy during the day and pump it back into the electricity grid at times of peak demand, ultimately delivering cheaper energy bills and reliable electricity to Victorian homes and businesses. 

This $190 million project is expected to create more than 100 jobs during its construction and two full-time ongoing jobs once the BESS is operational. 

The acceleration of this project towards construction follows consultation with residents, stakeholders, council, the Country Fire Authority, Ausnet, Worksafe and Moyne Shire Council. 

“This Battery Energy Storage System is another way we’re shoring up energy supply and assisting our transition to 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035,” Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio said. 

The Victorian Government opened the Development Facilitation Program to include renewable energy projects last year to help get more cleaner and cheaper energy projects off the ground faster. 

To date, 16 renewable energy projects with a total worth of $4.4 billion have been fast-tracked and these projects have the potential to power approximately 540,000 households annually, with battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demands for over 1 million households. 

“We’re fast-tracking decisions on renewable energy projects like this one to provide cheaper and cleaner energy for more Victorians,” Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said. 

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; PV Magazine Australia; Energy Source & Distribution