EnergyAustralia has celebrated a milestone on its first utility-scale storage facility, with the official turning of the sod on the 350MW WESS (Wooreen Energy Storage System), set to power up to 230,000 Victorian homes.
With an investment of over $700 million, including financial backing from the Federal Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme, the WESS will be one of the largest energy storage systems in Australia, capable of providing vital grid stability for local communities and businesses.
EnergyAustralia achieved financial close for the Wooreen Energy Storage System on 20 February 2025.
The project will be located adjacent to utility’s Jeeralang gas-fired power station at Hazelwood North in the Latrobe Valley, chosen for its land availability and proximity to the existing power grid. The project is expected to generate 80 jobs during construction, set to be complete in 2027.
EnergyAustralia said this strategic positioning will enable the efficient integration of the battery into the electricity network, ensuring maximum impact for the Latrobe Valley, the Gippsland region, and the broader Victorian energy market.
The Victorian Government said the state is the home to big batteries, with 12 currently operational and another 13 under construction or undergoing commissioning, pushing the state towards meeting the first renewable energy storage target of at least 2GW by 2030.
The development is set to provide an economic boost to the Gippsland region, creating new local jobs during construction and operation and continuing the Latrobe Valley’s proud history of powering industries and communities.
The WESS is part of the Victorian Government’s Structured Transition Agreement (STAs) with EnergyAustralia, which is helping workers and industry prepare for the closure of Yallourn in 2028.
EnergyAustralia said it is honoured to acknowledge the Gunaikurnai Elders, who have gifted the name Wooreen. Wooreen, meaning light, reflects the project’s role in illuminating the path toward a sustainable energy future for the region and beyond.
The utility also said it is committed to providing significant community benefit sharing, with over $1 million invested throughout the life of the project. This includes a Light the Way Community Future Fund, which will provide $500,000 in grants to local community groups and organisations, $300,000 for First Nations training and capacity building initiatives, and $200,000 for local Country Fire Authority training and resources.
The project complements EnergyAustralia’s expanding portfolio of new energy projects, all designed to contribute to Australia’s renewable energy future.
The battery equipment for WESS will be supplied by Wärtsilä Energy, and EnergyAustralia has partnered with Zenviron to deliver the balance-of-plant works.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “It doesn’t always rain but we can drink water every day because we store it. In the same way, batteries will store the huge amount of clean, cheap, renewable energy that Australia can generate from its world beating sun and wind resources.”
“Switching to clean reliable renewable energy isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for power bills, and it’s great for good, secure jobs.”
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the Wooreen Battery will help the Latrobe Valley continue to the state’s energy generation powerhouse and allow for more renewable projects to be built in the area.
“We’re making sure our new renewable energy projects continue to drive down bills for Victorian households and create jobs in the regional communities that host them.”
Victorian Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, said, “This battery project will create new opportunities for workers in the Latrobe Valley, helping them to transition their skills to renewable energy.”
EnergyAustralia Managing Director, Mark Collette, said EnergyAustralia’s purpose is to lead and accelerate the clean energy transformation for all.
“The WESS is the largest single project investment made by EnergyAustralia. Wooreen will provide capacity to meet demand peaks while enabling more renewable energy to enter the electricity market, contributing to better customer energy outcomes.
“We thank the Federal and Victorian governments for their support on this project, as they have been instrumental in helping us reaching financial close on WESS.
“EnergyAustralia looks forward to delivering the Wooreen Energy Storage System by 2027.”
Wärtsilä Energy Vice President of Energy Storage and Optimisation, Andrew Tang, said the project is a landmark step for EnergyAustralia as it continues to decarbonise its asset portfolio while maintaining reliability for its customers.
“We are excited to partner on this significant project and help support EnergyAustralia’s long-term energy goals. Australia has already made great strides towards its decarbonisation targets, and this project will further boost its renewable energy capacity.”
Zenviron CEO, Carl Keating, said Zenviron is delighted to be working with EnergyAustralia to grow Victoria’s energy capacity.
“We are very proud to be leaders in the delivery of balance-of-plant works for energy storage systems and look forward to working with the local community and businesses during the construction.”
