Power play: Neoen unveil plans for energy storage facility in Moorabool

NEOEN Australia’s proposal to build a $200 million energy storage facility in Moorabool is on public exhibition.

Neoen was founded in France in 2008 and is the largest renewable energy owner in Australia.

Named the “Victorian Big Battery” (VBB), the proposed energy storage facility, would be constructed on 250 Steiglitz Road, about 13 kilometres north-west of Geelong’s city centre.

The site is near Moorabool Terminal Station, which the VBB project would connect to directly via underground cables.

In its planning report for the VBB submitted to the City of Greater Geelong, Neoen Australia states the facility would provide more reliable and sustainable power for Victoria.

“When operating, the VBB project will provide Fast Frequency Response services to the National Electricity Market and be an energy reserve to augment power supplies in Victoria.

“Such energy storage facilities encourage the development and construction of renewable energy projects by being able to switch between being a load or generator depending on renewable energy output and energy demand in the network.”

Neoen Australia’s report also cites the G21 Regional Growth Plan 2013, which underlines the need for more extensive power supplies for the region going forth.

“It will be necessary to augment and extend the existing network to support further housing and industry growth.”

G21 chief executive officer Elaine Carbines said the VBB proposal aligned with the alliance’s vision for the region.

“G21 supports the big battery project, or similar projects, in principle, subject to them obtaining all relevant approvals, including land-use and environmental. G21’s Regional Growth Plan and associated implementation plan in 2013 acknowledged the need for new alternative energy opportunities to service the region’s expected rapid growth through to 2050.

“Huge advances in battery technology, and the region’s growth in wind and solar generation, potentially make the big battery proposal a viable component of a holistic energy solution catering to growth within the G21 region and the state.”

People can have their say on the proposal by heading to geelongaustralia.com.au/planning/default.aspx.

The plans will remain on public exhibition until Wednesday, October 28.