The Victorian Government is assisting a renewable energy developer fast track its Battery Energy Storage System —now approved through the Development Facilitation Program.
This priority project will deliver cheaper and cleaner energy, while supporting Victoria’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
ACEnergy’s Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Little River has been fast-tracked through the Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Program, which streamlines planning approvals for major projects that deliver significant economic, social, and environmental benefits, including renewable energy facilities.
The battery will soak up and store cheap renewable energy during the day that can be pumped back into the electricity grid at times of peak demand, helping to deliver cheaper energy bills and reliable electricity to Victorian homes and businesses.
This BESS project will be able to store up to 770MWh of energy during times of high generation and will have the capacity to supply more than 121,000 households at times of peak demand.
The $350 million project is also expected to create 55 jobs during construction as well as five jobs during the project’s operation.
The decision follows consultation with residents, stakeholders, council, the Country Fire Authority, EnergySafe Victoria and other agencies – with the Government extending consultation at the council’s request.
The Government opened up the Development Facilitation Program to include renewable energy projects last year – to get more cleaner and cheaper energy projects off the ground faster.
Prior to this fast-tracked pathway, more than one in five renewable energy project applications ended up stuck in VCAT despite the overwhelming majority of projects being approved eventually – often delaying them by two years.
The Victorian Government's record investments in renewable energy means Victoria has the lowest wholesale power prices in the country - bringing online even more renewable energy will ensure prices stay low into the future. Continued investment in renewables will ensure price stability, providing a reliable, attractive environment for future clean energy development.
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