- Published:
- Friday 17 February 2017
The Andrews Labor Government is calling for expressions of interest to build Australia’s first grid scale battery storage facility.
The new 20MW battery will be constructed in the north-west or south-west of Victoria, where the energy market operator has identified opportunities to improve grid reliability.
Storage plays a vital role in better integrating renewable energy generation, it will ensure reliability of supply and keep power prices in check, especially in peak demand periods.
This initiative follows a recent Labor Government announcement of $5 million for large-scale battery storage which will enhance the performance and security of the grid.
It's a huge win for Victorian jobs and Victorian energy consumers.
The announcement will feed into a large scale storage and flexible capacity expression of interest process being undertaken by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
ARENA has now 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
The Labor Government and ARENA will continue to work with AEMO and network businesses to finalise a tender that will be issued publically in April 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“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.”
“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 targets.”