The State Electricity Commission (SEC) is back, and its first investment will help build one of the world's biggest battery projects right here in Victoria - a great example of the investment potential emerging from Victoria's historic transition to clean energy.
Why is energy storage important in Victoria?
As Victoria moves towards 95% renewable energy generation by 2035, building energy storage capacity is crucial for ensuring an affordable and reliable power supply. The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub in Plumpton is expected to become operational next year.
Construction for the largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ever deployed in the Asia-Pacific will begin in Melbourne, eventually supporting up to 1,200MW of renewable energy storage.
As Victoria strides towards 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035, large-scale storage facilities like the Hub become essential for harnessing and storing energy from solar and wind projects.
Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the State Electricity Commission Lily D'Ambrosio visited the site on Wednesday (4 September) to mark the Melbourne project's entry into construction. D'Ambrosio emphasised that the project will help achieve approximately 23% of Victoria's 2030 energy storage capacity target.
Does EQUIS have a battery project in Australia?
Equis also has three other big battery projects in Australia, all with an anticipated two hours of storage, although that may change depending on market conditions. These include the Calala battery near Tamworth in NSW (300MW), and the Lower Wonga battery in Queensland, and the Koolunga battery in South Australia (both 200 MW).
Where are Australia's lithium batteries located?
These include the Calala battery near Tamworth in NSW (300MW), and the Lower Wonga battery in Queensland, and the Koolunga battery in South Australia (both 200 MW). “Our whole strategy is premised on merchant focus.It has to stack up commercially,” Russell says.