Big Battery switched on

VICTORIA has switched on one of the largest renewable energy projects in its history, with its Big Battery now operational.

The 300-megawatt battery, located at Moorabool Terminal Station north-west of Geelong, stores power from the state’s renewable electricity network to distribute during periods of high demand.

Victoria’s electricity network is expected to come under greater stress in coming years as summers get hotter, and the battery supports the state’s emission reduction and renewable energy targets.

The state government and energy company Neoen flicked the switch last week, 12 months after agreeing to a deal with the national regulator for the facility.

The project created more than 150 construction jobs and business for local suppliers this year and will support six full-time positions.

Member for Lara John Eren said the project was a win for the Geelong region and the state’s energy economy.

“I’m so proud to see this project up and running, delivering energy reliability to all Victorians. It’s a fantastic achievement for Geelong and will help the state shore up energy reliability during hotter, longer summers,” he said.

Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the new battery will provide improve power reliability, drive down power bills and assist its aims to reach a 50 per cent emissions reduction and renewable energy supply by 2030.

Neoen Australia managing director Louis de Sambucy said combined efforts from project partners Tesla, AusNet, UGL and Downer helped the project develop quickly.

“We are extremely proud to have delivered the largest battery in Australia in record time,” he said.

“We are honoured to be contributing a project of this scale and innovation.”

Victoria’s battery is the largest in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world and has twice the capacity of Australia’s previous biggest battery at South Australia.

The facility reserves 80 per cent of its energy to supply power during periods of stress on Victoria’s transmission system, which is enough power for one million homes for half an hour.