Milestone Reached for 600MW Victorian Battery Energy Storage System

Victoria has begun construction on a massive 600MW battery energy storage system (BESS), set to become one of the largest in the world. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for the State Electricity Commission (SEC) Lily D’Ambrosio recently visited the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub to mark the occasion. This colossal battery will be capable of powering up to 200,000 homes during peak demand.

“We’re building for our future,” said Premier Allan. “The SEC is unlocking more renewable and affordable energy for Victorians with one of the biggest batteries in the world.” The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, located in the western suburbs, is Victoria’s flagship battery project, and it’s set to be fully operational by 2025.

The hub will house 444 Tesla Megapack battery components, with three battery systems providing 1.6GW/h of energy storage. The battery will store surplus energy, including excess rooftop solar and wind power, allowing it to be dispatched during peak times, easing pressure on the grid.

Since breaking ground in late 2023, more than 530 workers, including apprentices and cadets, have been involved in preparing the site for battery installation. The project is on track to significantly contribute to Victoria’s renewable energy targets, with the SEC's battery expected to provide 23% of the state’s 2030 energy storage capacity goal.

In keeping with its sustainable goals, the project has reused over 15,000 tonnes of extracted rock to build a natural barrier around the site. The area will be landscaped with native vegetation, further supporting environmental conservation efforts.

The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub is the first project from the SEC's $1 billion investment, co-owned by Equis Australia. This initiative aligns with Victoria's goal of achieving 4.5 GW of new renewable energy generation and storage projects, accelerating the transition to 95% renewable energy by 2035.

Member for Sydenham, Natalie Hutchins, emphasized the project's importance to both Victoria's energy future and its local workforce. “This project not only creates jobs and opportunities for Victorians in the western suburbs but is also critical to increasing Victoria’s renewable storage capacity,” Hutchins said.

This 600MW BESS is a major milestone in Australia’s energy transition, contributing significantly to both energy security and affordability. As renewable energy and battery storage expand, projects like the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub will pave the way toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

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