A swap has been flicked on Australia’s largest privately funded utility-scale battery on the website of a retired coal energy plant in Victoria’s east.
The Hazelwood battery storage system was opened by Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio in a ceremony on the former Latrobe Valley energy station website on Wednesday.
The battery, which is predicted to have a lifespan of 20 years, has been constructed subsequent to the previous brown coal generator after it was decommissioned in early 2017 with little discover.
It can retailer 150 megawatts of energy, the equal of an hour of power technology from the rooftop photo voltaic methods of 30,000 Victorian properties.
The venture has been collectively funded and developed by French power large Engie and newly shaped huge battery subsidiary Eku Energy.
It was constructed by world firm Fluence.
Three coal-fired energy vegetation stay in operation in Victoria, however they’re anticipated to shut in coming years because the state pursues its power storage and emission discount targets.
Ms D’Ambrosio stated the brand new battery would complement Geelong’s 300MW battery and has the capability to energy about 75,000 properties for one hour throughout the night peak.
“This battery marks an important step forward in the transformation of this historic site from a former coal-fired power station to an active participant in Victoria’s renewable energy system future,” she advised a crowd of assembled friends.
“The Latrobe Valley will continue to play an integral part in the energy mix for our state.”
Engie Australia and New Zealand chief govt Rik De Buyserie stated the broader context of the storage system’s location couldn’t be ignored.
“Strategically and commercially this is the perfect site for better access to the transmission yard and its unused capacity makes the location ideal,” he stated.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
