EnergyAustralia has submitted a planning application to build its 350MW big battery in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, which, if completed, will power 230,000 homes for four hours in an Australian first.
The Wooreen Energy Storage System will be located at Hazelwood North, alongside EnergyAustralia’s existing Jeeralang gas-fired power station.
EnergyAustralia’s Trading, Transition and Reputation Executive, Ross Edwards, said the company is excited to be a step closer to building the battery.
“When it’s completed in 2026, the Wooreen Energy Storage System will be one of the largest battery storage systems in the world,” Mr Edwards said.
“The project continues the Latrobe Valley’s proud history in electricity infrastructure that spans over 100 years and began with Yallourn power station.
“Wooreen will be able to power the equivalent of more than 230,000 Victorian households for four hours before being recharged. Its ability to rapidly supply energy during times of high energy demand will be vital in keeping the lights on and the costs down for our customers.
“The Wooreen project, and others like it, will be critical as the clean energy transition takes place, seeing baseload coal-fired power stations retire and replaced with variable renewable energy, as well as flexible generation and storage technologies.”
The planning application was submitted to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
The planning permit application (number PA2201792) can be viewed at Browse Ministerial Permits (planning.vic.gov.au). EnergyAustralia welcomes comments on the application by email to community.wooreen@energyaustralia.com.au
