Flow Power’s 100MW/200MWh Bennetts Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project has achieved developmental approval, and is set to provide greater firming capacity for the company’s solar and wind generation in Victoria.
The Bennetts Creek BESS is located beside the existing Morwell Terminal Station on Monash Way, in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria’s south-east.
To date, Flow Power has developed and constructed or contracted with over 2GW of renewable energy projects across the National Electricity Market.
Flow Power COO, Byron Serjeantson, said that the Bennetts Creek battery project marks a significant milestone for Flow Power.
“This project will enable us to provide battery-firmed renewables to Victorian energy users through market-leading products capable of linking supply to 100 per cent renewable energy in real time,” Mr Serjeantson said.
“Since signing Australia’s first commercial and industrial Power Purchase Agreement in Victoria several years ago, Flow Power has continued to develop innovative renewable energy products to suit a broad range of energy users.”
BESS facilities can help stabilise the grid during frequency disruptions, and help reduce the number of blackouts and the need for load shedding in instances of supply imbalance.
“In addition to supporting the local grid, the Bennetts Creek project is working with the local stakeholders through a community benefit scheme, industry engagement and local job creation.”
The physical site, located in an underutilised industrial area in the heart of Victorian coal country, will provide cutting-edge energy opportunities to the community surrounding the old Morwell Power Station.
“Flow Power has consulted extensively with the local community and stakeholders over this project. We would like to thank everyone for their engagement and support to get to this point and look forward to working together to continue to create our renewable energy future.”
The project is targeting financial close in 2024 and reaching commercial operations in late 2025.
