30 MW energy storage system in Australia enters final testing phase

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency has announced that the first grid-scale battery in Victoria, a state in the south-east, has been officially commissioned. The 30 MW / 30 MWh Ballarat Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is currently in the final testing phase before being connected to the grid in time for the approaching summer.

BESS is owned by AusNet Services and operated by EnergyAustralia. A consortium led by Downer Spotless completed the battery, supplied by technology provider Fluence, in October.

BESS has been built at AusNet Services’ Ballarat terminal substation, where it will help deliver critical supply and grid stability and security in a constrained and congested area of the network – avoiding the need for further network investment. The battery is capable of powering more than 20,000 homes for an hour of critical peak demand before being recharged.

It is one of two energy storage projects that benefit from AUD25 million (US$17.7 million) funding from ARENA, on behalf of the Australian Government. This matches the AUD25 million committed by the Victorian Government to the two projects as part of its AUD50 million (US$35.4 million) energy storage initiative.

The second project to benefit from the funding is a 25 MW / 50 MWh battery system co-located at the 60 MW Gannawarra Solar Farm. The battery, constructed and owned by Edify and Wirsol and supplied by Tesla, is expected to be ready for summer. It will also be operated by EnergyAustralia under a long-term offtake agreement.