The Andrews Labor Government will build two large-scale batteries – with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and leading energy companies – as part of the most sophisticated energy storage initiative in Australia.

The Victorian Government’s energy storage initiative will be strategically located and will provide backup power and grid-stabilisation functions – vital to maintaining a reliable and affordable energy supply for Victoria – as the grid transitions.

The two projects are being delivered by private consortia Edify Energy and Spotless Sustainability Services, with $25 million from the Labor Government and matched funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio and Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg today announced the lithium-ion batteries – which include the largest integrated solar farm and battery in Australia.

The Tesla 25MW/50MWh battery will be integrated with the Gannawarra Solar Farm – south-west of Kerang – and will store renewable energy produced on site.

The second battery is a 30MW/30MWh system connected directly to a vital grid intersection at a substation at Warrenheip, near Ballarat.

This will be able to deliver crucial power supply, frequency control and related back-up services in milliseconds to maintain stability in the network for Western Victoria.

Construction has already begun, with both projects expected to be operational in time for next summer’s peak.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We said we would deliver this for Victoria, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

“This Andrews Labor Government initiative is an important part of helping us transition to a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system.”

“We are continuing to modernise our electricity grid, strengthen our energy security and deliver real action on climate change.”