Victoria’s biggest battery becomes first project through new renewables fast track
The Victorian government has greenlighted the state’s biggest big battery - a 350 MW project developed by ACEnergy in the Wimmera region.
The government said the Joel Joel Battery - approved after just nine weeks - is the first renewables project processed under the state’s fast-track pathway.
The Development Facilitation Program (DFP), launched by the Allan Labor government in March, means renewable projects are eligible for an accelerated development pathway.
Premier Jacinta Allan said important renewables projects were being tied up for years, leading to a build-up of around $90bn investment value in the pipeline.
Only four renewable energy projects were completed in Victoria in 2023 – two solar farms and two wind farms.
The state, which is targeting a 65% renewables share of the grid by 2030 and 95% by 2035, is currently sitting at just under 40%.
The fast-track program has been criticised by some as a move to “steam roll” farmers and regional communities.
But the AEMO has said “on time and in full” delivery of solar, wind and energy storage projects is “critical” for a reliable future electricity supply.
The $250 million ACEnergy battery in the Northern Grampians will connect to the existing Bulgana Terminal Station and the Bulgana to Ballarat Overhead Powerline.
It will be located close to Neoen’s Bulgana wind farm and 20 MW/32 MWh battery.
ACEnergy says the new battery will provide critical grid services like frequency regulation and peak load management.