Victoria’s Wooreen Big Battery Project: Update

EnergyAustralia’s proposed 350 MW/1.4 GWh big battery project in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley is continuing to move forward.

First announced in September last year, the Wooreen Energy Storage System (WESS) will be situated alongside EnergyAustralia’s gas-fired Jeeralang power station (pictured above) at Hazelwood North. The site was selected based on land availability and optimal connection to the grid.

All going well and after a construction timeframe of 12 to 18 months, the big battery is expected to be operational before the end of 2026. Among the benefits of the project is enabling more renewable energy to enter the electricity network and helping maintain energy security during periods of high electricity demand, while exerting downward pressure on wholesale electricity costs.

“The Wooreen project, and others like it, will be critical as the clean energy transition takes place, seeing baseload coal-fired power stations retire and replaced with variable renewable energy, as well as flexible generation and storage technologies,” said EnergyAustralia’s Trading, Transition and Reputation Executive, Ross Edwards.

The project will also provide an economic boost for the Gippsland region, which is grappling with effects from the speed of the clean energy transition pushing coal power out the door. For example, EnergyAustralia announced last year Yallourn Power Station will be shuttered in mid-2028 instead of its previously planned closure year of 2032.

Piling on extra pressure to hasten coal’s exit from the state will be the re-elected Andrews Government’s election pledge of 95% renewable electricity in Victoria by 2035. Looking at the last year and according to OpenNEM, renewables made up around 38% of electricity consumption in the state. Brown coal still accounted for the lion’s share.

While increased renewables imports from other states will help towards the Andrews Government’s goal, a bunch more wind and solar energy from various sources – and big batteries – will be needed; and soon.

Where’s WESS At?

In September 2021, expressions of interest were sought for the design and construction of Wooreen¹ Energy Storage System. The selected contractor is expected to be announced in the first quarter of next year. But before the project can really get cranking, it needs a green-light from the powers that be.

On Friday, EnergyAustralia announced a planning application (PA2201792)  had been submitted to Victoria’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). This appears to be oldish news not previously announced as the recorded date received is noted as mid-August. But given the August submission date, perhaps we can expect news of a decision reasonably soon.

EnergyAustralia is still gathering feedback on the WESS via a community survey that the company says will be used to ensure the project delivers positive outcomes for the Latrobe Valley and broader communities.

“The project continues the Latrobe Valley’s proud history in electricity infrastructure that spans over 100 years and began with Yallourn power station,” said Mr. Edwards.

EA is also accepting comments on the application by email to [email protected].