Victoria has fast-tracked two new large-scale battery projects – strengthening the state’s storage capacity and position as a renewable energy leader in Australia.
Victoria Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has approved Atmos Renewables’ 300 megawatt BESS (battery energy storage system) in Heywood, and a 400-megawatt BESS in Glenrowan through the Development Facilitation Program – a pathway that is fast-tracking cheaper and cleaner energy projects for eligible projects.
The Development Facilitation Program was expanded to include renewable energy projects less than two years ago. Since then, it has unlocked more than $9 billion in investment across 25 projects, supporting more than 3300 jobs during construction and operation.
Once complete, the approved projects will add significant dispatchable capacity to Victoria’s grid. Collectively, projects facilitated through the pathway are expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 735,000 households annually, with battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demand for up to two million homes.
Atmos Renewables’ 300 megawatts (MW) Heywood BESS will be located near AusNet’s Heywood Terminal Station. The project is expected to support up to 150 construction jobs and will have the capacity to meet peak evening demand for around 103,000 homes.
Further north, Akaysha Energy’s 400 MW Glenrowan BESS will connect into AusNet’s Glenrowan Terminal Station. The project is anticipated to create approximately 100 construction jobs and will be capable of powering up to 138,000 homes during periods of high demand.
Battery storage plays a critical role in integrating higher levels of renewable generation. By absorbing low-cost solar and wind energy during the day and dispatching it during evening peaks, large-scale BESS assets help stabilise the grid, reduce wholesale price volatility and improve system reliability.
Proponents were required to undertake consultation with local communities and key agencies; including, local councils, the Country Fire Authority, AusNet, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
The Victorian Government says accelerating renewable energy and storage investment is central to maintaining downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices, with Victoria consistently recording some of the lowest wholesale prices in the National Electricity Market.
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