Australia's Victoria government has fast-tracked a 400MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and 500MW solar-plus-storage project via its Development Facilitation Program (DFP).
Victoria fast-tracks battery storage project for a sustainable energy future: The Victorian Government is assisting a renewable energy developer fast track its Battery Energy Storage System —now approved through the Development Facilitation Program.
Will Victorian Government approve a battery energy storage system?
The Victorian government has fast tracked the approval of what is to be one of the state's biggest battery energy storage systems as it seeks to accelerate the development of projects to support its renewable energy ambitions.
557 MW of commissioned energy storage capacity and 12 utility-scale storage projects with a combined capacity of 1,115 MW under construction or undergoing commissioning at 30 June 2024. Figure 4: Emissions from electricity generation in Victoria, 2013/14 to 2023/24
A balance of renewable energy generation and storage will be required to replace retiring coal-fired power stations and ensure Victoria's electricity system is affordable, reliable, safe, and sustainable. Actions include: Building energy storage – like the Victorian Big Battery – to help provide reliable renewable energy throughout the transition.
Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said the new approvals pathway is playing a key role in achieving the state's energy storage targets of connecting at least 2.6 GW of energy storage capacity by 2030 and at least 6.3 GW by 2035.
How can Victoria achieve a successful electricity transition?
Enhancing energy safety for the community and workers. For a successful electricity transition, it is essential to skill, up-skill and train Victoria's energy workforce, and have a supply chain that meets our growing energy sector needs. Actions include: Working with key stakeholders to strengthen local renewable electricity supply chains.