With two new big batteries in the works, Victoria is on track to a fully charged summer

21.03.18 By
This article is more than 6 years old

VICTORIA is the latest state to take a giant step towards boosting its renewables and storage capacity in time for summer, with two large lithium-ion batteries to be brought online before the end of the year.

Two large-scale grid connected batteries (sized at 25MW/50MWh and 30MW/30MWh) will be installed in the state’s west in the regional hubs of Ballarat and Kerang, with the technology capable of powering 20,000 homes for an hour during peak periods.



These batteries will help keep Victoria’s energy grid stable, especially during heatwaves. Image: via Herald Sun


Climate and Energy Solutions Analyst Petra Stock said the construction of the two batteries in regional Victoria was
a powerful step for the state.

“Australia is one of the sunniest and windiest countries in the world, so pairing clean, affordable and reliable
renewable energy with battery storage technology is simply a winning combination,” she said.

“The construction of these batteries will
keep Victoria’s energy grid stable and fully charged, especially during extreme weather events, such as severe summer heatwaves.”

“These big batteries will also enable the state to push closer to its
renewable energy targets continuing Australia’s transition away from ageing, polluting and inefficient coal and gas generation. It’s a no brainer.”

The
major battery project will be jointly funded through the Victorian and Federal Governments, along with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Stock said the announcement was another example of
states and territories leading the charge in Australia’s renewables and battery storage race and doing their part to cut rising greenhouse gas pollution levels to tackle
climate change.

“States and territories are leading Australia’s transition to renewable energy and storage. In fact, Western Victoria is already a hub for renewable energy, creating
jobs and investment for the local communities,” she said.

“We have already witnessed the South Australian battery step in over summer when
ageing and inefficient coal stations failed due to extreme weather events, such as severe heatwaves.

“By 2040, 70% of the coal fleet in the National Electricity Market will be 50 years or older,
the transition to renewables and storage is more important than ever.”


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