Victoria's State Electricity Commission (SEC) is partnering with Energy Dome to deploy a 10-hour duration compressed CO2 battery energy storage system near Morwell in the Latrobe Valley, marking Victoria's first long-duration energy storage facility and Australia's first commercial compressed CO2 battery. This technology aims to ensure around-the-clock reliability of supply for renewable energy generation from wind and solar, supporting Victoria's transition to clean energy and helping meet its 2030 clean energy targets. Additionally, stakeholder and community consultation has begun for the new SEC Energy Works energy innovation precinct in the Latrobe Valley, which will focus on developing new energy infrastructure and storage technologies to further support the state's future energy system. Projects at SEC Energy Works will contribute to the government-owned renewable energy company's portfolio, including the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub and the SEC Renewable Energy Park, emphasizing the importance of energy innovation, early investment, and confidence building for new energy technologies.
Tag: Victoria
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Virtual home-energy trading study lowers costs, boosts access to clean power
Deakin University conducted a trial on a virtual energy network (VEN) that allows households and small businesses to buy and sell solar and battery power, involving 300 sellers and buyers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. The project aims to create a more inclusive and flexible energy system in Australia, supporting the transition to net zero emissions by enabling people with solar power to sell their surplus energy and helping more Australians access clean energy. The initiative is supported by Energy Locals, Enosi's Powertracer software, and funded through Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, resulting in cheaper electricity rates and providing a pathway for consumers without solar panels.
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Golden moment: Australia’s biggest wind farm becomes first to reach 1 GW of output
Australia's Golden Plains wind farm has made history by exceeding one gigawatt of electricity generation output, becoming the nation's largest wind farm with up to 1.3 gigawatts of capacity. This clean, renewable energy source is not only lowering electricity bills for Australians but also bolstering Victoria's power system. Plans for further expansion and the addition of a large battery storage facility indicate a commitment to sustainable energy solutions and a significant step towards a greener future in Australia.
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State green-lights plan for Australia’s biggest wind farm, with 219 turbines and two big batteries
The Victorian government has approved plans for the construction of Australia's largest wind farm, the Warracknabeal Energy Park, in the Wimmera region. The project, developed by WestWind Energy, will consist of 219 turbines with a capacity of over 1.5 gigawatts, paired with battery energy storage systems, aiming to contribute significantly to Victoria's renewable energy targets. The $5 billion project, which has undergone a rigorous Environmental Effects Statement process, is expected to create nearly 950 jobs during construction and ongoing local jobs once operational. Support for independent media like Renew Economy is crucial for providing accurate information on climate-related issues and ensuring the availability of reliable news and analysis on climate solutions.
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Massive six-hour battery project seeks federal green tick for site in Victoria’s main coal hub
Renewable developer Res Australia has announced the Bunyip North battery, a 400 MW, 2,400 MWh project in Gippsland as part of Victoria's clean energy transition. The project, one of 31 batteries competing for network space, has undergone extensive environmental studies to minimize impact on protected species and habitats. Construction is scheduled for mid-2027 with a commissioning date in mid-2029. The chosen site has limited ecological value, and measures are in place to protect water features and wildlife.
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How Australia’s most populous state can quit household gas, while also cutting electricity demand
Efforts to accelerate residential electrification in New South Wales should focus on implementing minimum efficiency standards for rental properties, phasing out inefficient appliance installations, and providing support for hard-to-upgrade households. By broadening policies to target electrification for renters and hard-to-upgrade dwellings while phasing out inefficient appliances, NSW can achieve significant consumer benefits and avoid negative impacts on electricity system reliability. The state's Gas Decarbonisation Roadmap and Energy Security Safeguard reforms present opportunities to support a balanced uptake of electrification and energy efficiency, with Victoria's experience showing significant consumer interest and a decline in residential gas consumption. Strategies like flexible electrification of hot water, particularly with heat pump systems, can help reduce residential gas consumption and electricity demand, while efficient electric appliances have lower running costs than gas appliances.
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Port pitching for offshore wind hub says turbine trade could more than double its shipping traffic
The Port of Hastings in Victoria is set to become Australia's first offshore wind hub, doubling its shipping traffic and supporting the state's renewable energy goals by 2040. The Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal project, facing environmental concerns, aims to deepen water depth to accommodate offshore wind vessels and create thousands of jobs. With the potential for an additional 200 vessel visits per year, the project is seen as a key opportunity for the port's growth and the advancement of renewable energy in the region, contributing to a sustainable future.
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Offshore wind project says it’s “fully prepared” as it heads into full environmental assessment
The Blue Mackerel offshore wind farm project in Gippsland, Victoria has advanced to the next stage of federal environmental assessment, involving the installation of up to 70 wind turbines 10 km off the coast. The project aims to minimize environmental impacts and address community concerns about visual impact, with the developer committed to delivering a scientifically rigorous environmental impact statement. This project is crucial in transitioning the state and national grid off coal, highlighting the importance of renewable energy solutions in combating climate change.
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Danish giant lodges EPBC referral for first of its two Gippsland offshore wind projects
Danish offshore wind developer Orsted has applied for the 2.8 GW Gippsland 1 project off the coast of Victoria, Australia, as part of the state's plan to transition to renewables and reach a 95% renewables target by 2035. The project involves installing up to 200 turbines and laying export cables over 90-120km in three to four years, with feasibility studies expected to be finished by the end of 2027. Challenges include the project's location 56km offshore, which makes cabling plans more costly and complicated. Multiple permissions are required, including EPBC approval, federal licenses, state environmental approval, and planning approval, with community concerns focusing on protecting coastal and marine areas, coexistence with commercial fishing, and understanding Indigenous values. Orsted emphasizes the importance of addressing these themes in their project development to ensure successful implementation.