Two new battery energy storage systems in VIC approved for construction

The Allan Labor Government is staying committed to driving down power bills for Victorians as it fast tracks the delivery of two more renewable energy projects.

Through the Development Facilitation Plan (DFP), two battery energy storage systems have been approved.

The DFP is a pathway that fast tracks cheaper and cleaner energy projects for eligible proposals. This pathway is about making good decisions faster. Since the program was expanded to include renewables less than two years ago, the State Government has unlocked over $9 billion worth of investment across 25 renewable energy projects that have the potential to create more than 3,300 new jobs in construction and operations.

Once all these projects are completed, they will collectively generate enough power for more than 735,000 households annually, with the battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demand for millions of households.

“The Development Facilitation Program is all about making good decision, faster. This fast-tracked pathway has unlocked more than $9 billion worth of investment into renewable energy projects, helping provide cheaper and cleaner energy to hundreds of thousands of Victorian households,” Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said.

The first project is Atmos Renewables’ 300MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Heywood, which is strategically located near AusNet’s Heywood Terminal Station. This BESS will have the capacity to meet evening peak demand for 103,000 homes. The project is expected to create up to 150 jobs during construction with further opportunities for ongoing roles once the BESS is operational.

The other recently approved project is Akaysha Energy’s 400MW BESS in Glenrowan, which will connect to AusNet’s Glenrowan Terminal Station. It will have enough capacity to supply power to 138,000 homes at peak demand times, and generate approximately 100 jobs during its construction phase.

Both proponents were required to undertake consultation with the community and relevant government agencies including local councils, the Country Fire Authority, AusNet, and DEECA.

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

The State Government’s record investment in renewables means Victoria consistently has the lowest wholesale power prices in the country, and bringing online even more renewable energy ensures prices stay low into the future.

“More renewable energy projects means more reliable and cheaper power for families, more jobs for Victorians and a cleaner energy system for the future,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said.

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Akaysha Energy; Atmos Renewables