Moorabool set to house largest battery in Southern Hemisphere

THE largest battery in the Southern Hemisphere is set to be built in Moorabool to help improve Victoria’s energy system and its reliability.

Renewable energy company Neoen Australia has been contracted to build the 300-megawatt battery.

It will be constructed using Tesla equipment at 250 Steiglitz Road, across from Moorabool Terminal Station, and is estimated to be complete by the summer of 2021-22.

Geelong Regions Alliance (G21) chief executive officer Elaine Carbines said the alliance was pleased to see the project approved.

“G21 through our Economic Development and Environment pillars has over many months been supporting the prospect of the battery coming to the region.

“It is a logical fit given the huge investment in wind power in the region and our proximity to the power lines necessary to connect to the state and national power grid.”

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio directed the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to sign the contract with Neoen Australia.

She said the battery would create new jobs while also moving the state closer to its renewable energy targets.

“The big battery will help protect our network in summer, create jobs and drive down energy prices – as well as supporting our recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

“Victoria is embracing new technologies that will unlock more renewable energy projects than ever before –delivering clean, cheap, reliable power to all Victorians.”

The state government is expecting the battery to create more than 85 jobs through its construction and six full-time jobs afterwards.

Tesla chair of the board Robyn Denholm praised the state government for their commitment to the project at a webinar on Thursday last week.

“For me, that takes courage and shows real leadership,” she said.

“It will lower energy prices while improving grid reliability.”