One of the largest batteries in the world is gearing up to plug into the Victoria’s electricity grid with the installation of two 335t transformers.

Acting Victorian Premier, Ben Carroll, and Victorian Minister for the State Electricity Commission, Lily D’Ambrosio, welcomed the installation of the transformers at the 600MW Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) in Plumpton.

With all 444 big battery components now in place at the MREH, the giant transformers are the final pieces that will connect the battery’s power to the grid and allow it to be pumped at higher voltage.

The transformers travelled with an oversized load escort, and with Lumea leading a specialised crew to undertake a precision ‘jack and skate’ process, lifting the transformers and gliding them on to their foundations. A third transformer is expected to arrive in February 2025, while work continues to connect the first two transformers.

The big battery will come online later in 2025, soaking up excess solar and surplus energy from the grid and releasing it back into the grid during the evening peak to boost supply and put downward pressure on bills.

The big battery will store enough renewable energy to power 200,000 homes during peak periods. The Victorian government said more than 790 people have worked across all aspects of the project, including 30 apprentices, trainees and cadets.

The project also includes the design and construction of the 500kV MREH, Plumpton Renewable Terminal Substation and installation of a 1.75km, 500kV underground cable that will connect the battery to the grid at the existing Sydenham Terminal Station.

The State Electricity Commission (SEC) will build 4.5GW of new renewable energy and storage projects – enough to power more than 1.5 million homes – and all profits will be reinvested back into Victorian projects that deliver cheaper renewable energy.

Construction is also underway on the first 100 per cent government owned renewable energy project in Australia – the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham. The $370 million investment includes a 100MW two-hour battery and 119MW solar farm that will power 51,000 homes and create 246 jobs.

SEC General Manager Asset Delivery, David Moo, said, “We’re excited to see the SEC’s first project take shape and continue to achieve construction milestones ahead of being operational later this year.

“The transformers being installed will enable the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub to deliver up to 1.6GW hours of energy storage onto the grid – enough to power 200,000 homes during peak periods.”

Mr Carroll said the SEC puts publicly owned renewable energy into the grid to drive down power prices.

Ms D’Ambrosio said, “Soon, we’ll plug a publicly owned energy asset into the electricity grid for the first time in more than 25 years.”

Victorian Member for Sydenham, Natalie Hutchins, said the State Government and the State Electricity Commission are delivering local jobs in Plumpton and helping to bring down energy bills for all Victorians.

Lumea Executive General Manager, Craig Stallan, said the accelerated development of the MREH plays a key role in meeting Victoria’s ambitious timeline of renewable energy and net zero targets.

“We are working to safely connect this enormous battery to the grid, improving system strength and enabling access to renewable, affordable and reliable energy for consumers.”

Equis Managing Director, David Russell, said “We are proud we have worked at pace with our partners to bring a critical Victorian energy project online. With the SEC’s assistance the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub is on track to complete within both the cost budget and time period forecasted.”