AusNet has successfully energised a new terminal station, which will facilitate the connection of the KESS (Koorangie Energy Storage System) to the Victorian transmission network.
Situated on the traditional land of the Barapa Barapa, Wamba Wamba and Yorta Yorta people – approximately 17km of Kerang – the 220kV Koorangie Terminal Station will support both the KESS as well as future connections to the state’s energy grid.
Designed and developed by Edify Energy, KESS is a new 185MW/370MWh lithium-ion battery, 100 per cent owned by Sosteneo Infrastructure Partners.
AusNet is constructing the transmission infrastructure for the project, which also includes an overhead transmission line to connect to the new terminal station.
KESS secured a System Support Agreement with Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to provide 125MW of system strength services to improve the network stability in the region.
AusNet said that this shared network asset will not only increase the renewable hosting capacity of the Murray River REZ by up to 300MW and power 350,000 homes for two hours but will also facilitate more renewable connections in future.
The battery is supported by a 15-year term offtake agreement with Shell Energy Australia for the full 185MW/370MWh.
KESS is expected to commence operations in 2025 with a contracted service term with AEMO of 20 years.
