A new advanced battery energy storage system has powered up in Victoria’s Murray River Region, delivering clean, reliable energy to consumers.
Located in the Gannawarra region of northwest Victoria, KESS (Koorangie Energy Storage System) is now fully operational, importing and exporting electricity at its full nameplate capacity to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The project’s developer, Edify Energy, said that this landmark asset demonstrates the strength of collaboration in advancing Australia’s energy transition.
Through its 20-year System Support Agreement with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), KESS provides essential grid stability services and enables up to 300MW of new renewable generation in the Murray River Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Incorporating 100 Tesla Megapacks, the project provides 185MW / 370MWh of large-scale energy storage, enough to power 350,000 homes for two hours, and has a 15-year offtake agreement with Shell Energy.
KESS is owned by Sosteneo SGR Spa on behalf of its clients, and was developed, designed and delivered by Edify and constructed by Consolidated Power Projects (CPP). In total, the project supported more than 520 construction jobs and four full-time operations staff.
Koorangie Energy Storage System is on the traditional land of the Barapa Barapa, Wamba Wamba and Yorta Yorta people, near the town of Kerang.
Edify Energy said it acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, whose rich culture is deeply connected to the rivers, lagoons, creeks, and wetlands of their nation – and local engagement with the Kerang community and Gannawarra Shire Council was central to the project’s planning and delivery. The development aligns with the region’s strong commitment to renewable energy, offering long-term community and economic benefits, including lower energy costs, job creation and local business growth.
According to Edify Energy, despite its rich wind and solar resources, north-west Victoria has faced grid constraints that limit renewable energy exports. KESS addresses these challenges using Megapacks with Tesla grid-forming inverters, which maintain grid voltage and frequency – services traditionally provided by conventional generators. The company said this technology plays a vital role in stabilising the network and unlocking the region’s full renewable energy potential.
Edify Energy Executive Chairman, John Cole, said this system seamlessly delivers critical system strength services to AEMO while dispatching clean, green electrons to the grid.
“It’s a powerful example of how advanced grid forming inverter and battery storage technologies can combine to solve some of the most complex challenges in Australia’s energy transition. KESS is our third project in Kerang and our 12th major energy infrastructure development to reach commercial operation – an achievement that reflects the dedication, expertise and resilience of the Edify team,” he said.
“We build long-term partnerships with industry, investors, government and communities, and KESS exemplifies our commitment to delivering projects that accelerate Australia’s energy transition to a low carbon electricity system.”
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said this project is a great example of the Victorian Government partnering with energy industry leaders to deliver the infrastructure needed for the transition to clean and affordable renewable energy.
“We are proud of our role in this project, securing the system strength component of this advanced storage system, which will allow more renewables to connect to the grid in Victoria’s north-west,” she said.
“Our partnership with KESS is part of a $480 million program to strengthen and modernise the grid so more renewable energy can flow to homes and businesses.”
