The State Government of Victoria has accelerated ACEnergy’s battery energy storage system (BESS) initiative in Little River via its Development Facilitation Programme.
The BESS initiative will possess a storage capability of up to 770 megawatt-hours (MWh), enough to serve more than 121,000 households during peak usage times.
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The A$350m ($223m) investment is projected to generate 55 jobs during the construction phase and five ongoing roles once it is operational.
The battery system is intended to capture and store renewable energy produced during daylight hours, which can subsequently be reintroduced into the electricity grid when demand peaks.
This strategy is expected to help reduce energy costs and improve the dependability of electricity supply for residences and businesses in Victoria.
Victoria Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said: “Renewable energy is the cheapest form of new build energy available – that is exactly why we are fast-tracking decisions on projects like this, to provide cheaper and cleaner energy for more Victorians.”
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By GlobalDataThe choice to expedite the initiative came after discussions with local residents, stakeholders, and various organisations including the Country Fire Authority and EnergySafe Victoria.
The government extended the consultation process at the local council’s request to ensure community feedback was taken into account.
Last year, the government broadened the Development Facilitation Programme to include renewable energy initiatives, aiming to speed up the rollout of cleaner energy solutions.
Previously, numerous renewable energy applications encountered considerable delays, with more than 20% becoming stalled in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, despite most ultimately receiving approval.
Victoria Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio said: “This Battery Energy Storage System is another way we are shoring up energy supply and assisting our transition to 95% renewable energy by 2035.”
