THE western plains of Kerang are set to see significant investment in solar, wind and battery, with the Victorian Government announcing an energy storage system in the area.
The government will invest $119 million from the $540 million Renewable Energy Zone Fund in a new 125MW/250MWh big battery and grid forming inverter between Bendigo and Red Cliffs.
The Koorangie Energy Storage System (KESS), a new lithium-ion battery to be located in the Gannawarra Shire and connected to AusNet’s 220kV transmission network, will be delivered by Edify Energy to provide system support services to the Murray River Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
In a system support agreement with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), Edify said the battery will augment the renewable hosting capacity of the Murray River REZ by up to 300MW, through the provision of system strength to improve network stability.
It will also use grid-forming inverters to provide the services, while not compromising on its ability to continue to perform an energy market and market ancillary services function. Commercial operations are to commence in 2025 with a contract term of 20 years.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said this new, “modern” battery technology will help implement the state’s new energy storage targets and support a smooth transition to 50 per cent by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
Gannawarra Council executive manager of economic development Roger Griffiths said: “This is more positive news for the energy sector in the Gannawarra and will assist to improve the performance of the 220k transmission line.
“The area west of Kerang is set to see significant investment in solar, wind and battery, providing further diversity for the local economy and landowners.”
It comes as the government also plans to legislate a target 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of new energy storage capacity for the state by 2030, and 6.3GW of energy storage by 2035 if re-elected on November 26.
The government said the new storage targets aim to bring online both short and long-duration energy storage systems – including technologies that can hold more than eight hours of energy – taking in batteries, pumped hydro and hydrogen technologies.
“We’ve cut emissions by more than any other state, tripled the amount of renewable energy and created thousands of jobs. We’re not just talking about climate action – we’re getting on with it,” he said.
The Climate Council said the 2.6GW target was the equivalent to the dispatch capacity of a large coal-fired power station, while fellow climate action advocacy body Environment Victoria described the targets as a “groundbreaking”.
It is urging the Federal Government and other states to work with Victoria to develop a national storage target and for the Victorian coalition to commit to meet or beat the goals if it is victorious in November.
“Sensible environmental policy shouldn’t belong just to one side of politics,” Environment Victoria chief executive Jono La Nauze said.
Edify chief executive John Cole said the contract with AEMO was “testament” to the growing recognition of the role that advanced power electronics and batteries can play in supporting the stability of the network and creating the conditions that will enable the acceleration of a 100 per cent renewable system.
“Edify was early to identify the enormous potential of batteries with grid forming inverters and has been working closely with suppliers, network companies and AEMO for a few years to advocate for their multi-use properties in providing both technical and market services,” Mr Cole said.
“It is pleasing to see continued recognition of advanced inverter technology and the capability of the Edify team to design and deliver these projects.”
THE Gannawarra Shire is no stranger to energy storage systems, with a Tesla Powerpack battery system integrated with the 50MW Gannawarra solar farm.
EnergyAustralia holds the rights to charge and dispatch energy from the 25MW/50MWh battery via a first-of-a-kind storage services agreement with Edify Energy. This is in addition to the energy offtake from the co-located Gannawarra solar farm.
The system is the first integrated solar and storage project in Victoria and among the largest of its kind in the world.
The Gannawarra Energy Storage System is capable of powering more than 16,000 homes through two hours of peak demand before being recharged.
