Broad: Batteries win

The construction of large-scale batteries in western Victoria represents a major a win for much of the region.

That is the assessment of Member for Mallee Andrew Broad in response to confirmation that Kerang and Warrenheip near Ballarat will be the sites for the batteries.

The Federal Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, and the State Government will both provide $25-million for the project.

Mr Broad welcomed the announcement as part of a plan to provide more affordable and reliable energy in Victoria.

“Together these batteries will provide 55MW of energy and 80MWH of storage capacity, helping to provide more affordable and reliable energy in the Wimmera, Mallee and Mildura regions,” he said. “These batteries will be used to store renewable energy not currently in use and also inject stored energy into the grid when in high demand.”

The battery near Kerang will be colocated with the Gannawarra Solar Farm, providing 25MW of energy and 50MWH of storage capacity.

“This will be Australia’s largest integrated battery and solar farm, with the capabilities to provide power to a minimum of 800 homes for 24 hours,” Mr Broad said.

There was speculation in early planning for the batteries project that one of the sites might be in the Wimmera or southern Mallee.

Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’ambrosio said the State Government was building the batteries as part of ‘the most sophisticated energy storage initiative in Australia’.

Ms D’ambrosio and Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg made a joint announcement on the project.

Ms D’ambrosio said batteries were strategically located to provide back-up power and grid stabilisation and would be operational for the peak of next summer.

“We are continuing to modernise our electricity grid, strengthen our energy security and deliver real action on climate change,” she said.

Mr Broad said this was just one of the measures the Australian Government was taking to ensure reliable and affordable energy for all Australians and stability of the grid, even during peak times.