The Victorian Government has approved the state’s largest-ever battery storage project – a one-gigawatt facility that it says will deliver cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable renewable energy for hundreds of thousands of homes.
Pacific Green’s Portland Energy Park has been fast-tracked through the Government’s Development Facilitation Program.
The project will include four 250-megawatt battery ‘parks’ – enough to power 345,000 homes during peak demand – making it the state’s biggest battery and one of the world’s biggest renewable energy storage batteries. An on-site terminal station will also connect the facility to the grid via existing transmission lines.
“Our fast-tracked pathway has unlocked more than $6 billion worth of investment into renewable energy projects – helping provide cheaper and cleaner energy to hundreds of thousands of Victorian households,” said Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny.
“This battery will soak up cheap renewable power during the day and deliver it when demand peaks – powering 345,000 homes and slashing energy bills across the state,” said Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio.
Three hundred jobs will be created during the construction phase, and there will be 60 ongoing jobs once the energy park becomes operational.
The proponent was required to show the development will be compliant with conditions regarding biodiversity impacts, bushfire safety, and noise, while also including upgrades to nearby roads in the scope of works.
