EnergyAustralia has received planning approval from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning for the construction of its Wooreen Energy Storage System, which will be one of the largest battery storage systems in the world when completed in 2026.
The battery, which will be located at Hazelwood North in the Latrobe Valley, will have a capacity of 350MW and a four-hour storage duration.
EnergyAustralia’s Head of Portfolio Development, Dan Nugent, said planning approval brings building the battery a step closer.
“With the approval of the planning application, our focus now is on finalising procurement and the grid connection application ahead of starting construction of the battery in 2024,” Mr Nugent said.
“The project helps support the Latrobe Valley’s transition into a clean energy hub with the planned retirement of existing coal-fired power stations, including the closure of EnergyAustralia’s Yallourn power station in 2028.
“Wooreen will be able to power the equivalent of more than 230,000 Victorian households for four hours before being recharged. Its ability to store and rapidly supply energy during times of high demand will be vital in supporting solar and wind renewables as part of Victoria’s electricity system of the future.”
