Victorian government to build Australia’s first grid scale battery storage facility

Victoria’s Labor government is calling for expressions of interest to build a 20MW battery storage array, in what would likely be Australia’s first grid scale battery storage facility.

The 20MW battery storage facility is being earmarked for western Victoria, where the Australian Energy Market Operator has identified opportunities to improve grid stability, and where many of the state’s wind farms and proposed solar farms are located.

The Andrews government, which plans to lift the state’s share of renewable energy to 25 per cent by 2020, and to 40 per cent by 2025, says that storage will play a vital role in better integrating renewable energy generation, keeping the lights on and keeping power prices in check.

“We are in the midst of a major global transformation and we’re making sure Victoria is equipped with the next generation of energy technologies that will support a resilient energy system,” state energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said in a statement.

“The 20MW battery will be the first of its kind for Australia, it will help to modernise Victoria’s electricity grid, enhance energy security and deliver affordable energy.

“We’re taking the action required to ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for Victorians while we deliver on our renewable energy target.”

The project will dovetail with work being done by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). ARENA has agreed that the project chosen as part of the Andrews Labor government’s initiative will receive Agency funding if it meets the selection criteria.

Expressions of interest from utility-scale battery storage businesses are being sought by 1 March 2017, and are to be provided to the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) at energystorage@delwp.vic.gov.au. A formal tender will be issued in April.

Get a free comparison of quotes from solar & battery providers in your area

Image Source Via: Flexgenpower.com

© 2017 Solar Choice Pty Ltd

• About
• Latest Posts

Giles Parkinson

Giles Parkinson regularly contributes unique content to Solar Choice News. Giles is the founder and editor of clean energy industry news service RenewEconomy. He is a journalist of 30 years experience, a former Business Editor and Deputy Editor of the Financial Review, a columnist for The Bulletin magazine and The Australian, and the founding editor of Climate Spectator.

Latest posts by Giles Parkinson (see all)

• Australia’s biggest manganese metals project may go 90% renewables - 21 June, 2019
• New study says Australia could host up to 179 gigawatts of rooftop solar - 17 June, 2019
• Sydney Opera House turns to wind and solar, may add battery for perfect match - 7 June, 2019