The Victorian government has approved construction of Australia's largest battery in the Grampians, with the project expected to take just nine weeks.
The Victorian government’s new streamlined renewable energy planning process is accelerating the delivery of critical renewable storage capacity with the approval of a 350-megawatt battery, larger than any currently operating in Australia.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny approved the first renewable energy project fully processed under the new fast-tracked pathway in just nine weeks. The $250 million battery energy storage system, located in Joel Joel, Northern Grampians, will utilize the existing Bulgana Terminal Station and the Bulgana to Ballarat Overhead Powerline.
Australia’s largest battery
- Joel Joel, Northern Grampians
- $250 million battery energy storage system
- Bulgana Terminal Station and Bulgana to Ballarat Overhead Powerline
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This ACEnergy battery will store energy and release it into the grid during peak demand, supporting the integration of more renewable energy into Victoria’s electricity network and putting downward pressure on power prices.
Projects like this are key to achieving Victoria’s energy storage targets of at least 2.6 gigawatts by 2030 and 6.3 gigawatts by 2035. Earlier this year, renewable energy projects became eligible for the Victorian government’s Development Facilitation Program pathway, ensuring significant projects can proceed faster.
Victoria has met every climate target to date and is on track to reach 95 percent renewable energy generation by 2035. Achieving these targets is expected to deliver $9.5 billion in economic development and 59,000 jobs by 2035.
“This streamlined process allows us to bring good renewable projects like battery storage systems online faster so that we can provide more Victorians with cheaper and cleaner energy,” said Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio added, “Victoria’s ageing coal-fired generators are closing and the cost of fossil fuels is rising globally – streamlining planning approvals for projects like this one will ensure we can keep the lights on and power prices down.”
Battery rollout compliments SEC re-launch
The news comes after the Victorian government announced the pilot stage of the State Electricity Commission relaunch, which includes a free digital platform designed to guide users through a brief survey about their home and energy usage.
Based on the survey, the platform generates a tailored plan to help cut energy bills through electrification. The plan provides recommendations for suitable appliances, indicative costs, potential return on investment, available government rebates, and emissions reductions.
For households seeking additional information or wishing to upgrade their appliances, the SEC has partnered with vetted local installers. These professionals offer free house visits to provide detailed quotes, with households only paying for services if they decide to proceed at a time that suits them.
Find out more about the ACEnergy batteries here.
