300MW 'Victorian Big Battery' project announced for Australia
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Artist's impression of the Victorian Big Battery. Image: Victoria State Government
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A 300MW / 450MWh battery energy storage system is to be built in the Australian state of Victoria, to boost reliability of power supply and reduce electricity costs.
The state government said the ‘Victorian Big Battery’, expected to be in operation for the 2021-22 summer, will use Tesla’s Megapack lithium-ion battery tech - and be built near the Moorabool Terminal Station, just outside of Geelong.
French renewables developer Neoen will pay the undisclosed construction costs of what will be one of the world’s biggest batteries, in addition to being responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance.
The government said Victoria’s consumers will pay for use of the battery through their utility bills, "but the reduction in wholesale energy prices delivered by the battery will mean that Victorians pay less for their power – with independent analysis showing that every AUD1 (£0.55) invested in the battery will deliver more than AUD2 in benefits to Victorian households and businesses”.
'Supporting solar and wind'
To reduce the chances of unscheduled power outages over the peak summer months, the BESS will reserve a portion of its capacity to increase the power flow through the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector by up to 250MW, the government said.
"The battery will also help lower electricity prices for all Victorians by storing cheap renewable energy, supporting solar and wind projects and helping to deliver a more secure and modern energy system.”
The battery will also "make an important contribution” to the state hitting its targets for the share of renewable energy to be 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
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The state government said the ‘Victorian Big Battery’, expected to be in operation for the 2021-22 summer, will use Tesla’s Megapack lithium-ion battery tech - and be built near the Moorabool Terminal Station, just outside of Geelong.
French renewables developer Neoen will pay the undisclosed construction costs of what will be one of the world’s biggest batteries, in addition to being responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance.
The government said Victoria’s consumers will pay for use of the battery through their utility bills, "but the reduction in wholesale energy prices delivered by the battery will mean that Victorians pay less for their power – with independent analysis showing that every AUD1 (£0.55) invested in the battery will deliver more than AUD2 in benefits to Victorian households and businesses”.
'Supporting solar and wind'
To reduce the chances of unscheduled power outages over the peak summer months, the BESS will reserve a portion of its capacity to increase the power flow through the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector by up to 250MW, the government said.
"The battery will also help lower electricity prices for all Victorians by storing cheap renewable energy, supporting solar and wind projects and helping to deliver a more secure and modern energy system.”
The battery will also "make an important contribution” to the state hitting its targets for the share of renewable energy to be 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
Related article in our archive: