The first of two large-scale batteries that will support Victoria’s energy grid and encourage electric vehicle uptake has been unveiled in Ballarat.
Energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio opened the Ballarat Energy Storage System (BESS) on October 23 at the Ballarat Terminal Station in Warrenheip.
The BESS is a lithium ion large-scale battery that will deliver a 30mW/30mWh supply capable of powering more than 20,000 homes for an hour of critical peak demand before being recharged.
It will respond to changing grid needs within milliseconds and will operate 24-hours to support critical peak demand.
The second large-scale battery is the Tesla 25mW/50mWh battery integrated with the Gannawarra Solar Farm, south-west of Kerang.
This battery will store renewable energy on site. Delivered by Edify Energy, it is also expected to provide grid support by summer 2018.
With $25 million of funding provided by the Andrews Labor Government and the same amount matched by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), these two large-scale batteries are the most sophisticated energy storage initiatives in Australia, D’Ambrosio says.
“This is part of our plan to transition to a more affordable, reliable and clean energy system,” she says.
“We’re modernising our electricity grid, strengthening our energy security and delivering real action on climate change.”
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