The battery system is intended to capture and store renewable energy produced during daylight hours.
The BESS will have a storage capacity of up to 770 megawatt-hours (MWh), sufficient to power over 121,000 households during peak demand periods. Valued at A$350 million ($223 million), the project is expected to create 55 jobs during construction and sustain five permanent positions once operational. The system will store renewable energy generated during the day and release it to the grid when demand is highest, improving energy reliability and reducing costs for Victorian households and businesses.
Victoria’s Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, emphasized the project’s benefits, stating: “Renewable energy is the cheapest form of new build energy available – that is exactly why we are fast-tracking decisions on projects like this, to provide cheaper and cleaner energy for more Victorians.” The decision to accelerate the initiative followed consultations with local residents, stakeholders, and organizations such as the Country Fire Authority and EnergySafe Victoria. At the local council’s request, the government extended the consultation period to incorporate community input thoroughly.
The Development Facilitation Programme was expanded last year to include renewable energy projects, aiming to streamline approvals and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Previously, many renewable energy proposals faced significant delays, with over 20% stalled at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, though most were eventually approved. The BESS project aligns with Victoria’s goal of achieving 95% renewable energy by 2035.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio highlighted the project’s role in energy security, stating: “This Battery Energy Storage System is another way we are shoring up energy supply and assisting our transition to 95% renewable energy by 2035.” By prioritizing projects like the Little River BESS, the government seeks to bolster the reliability of the electricity grid while advancing its commitment to cleaner, more affordable energy for the region.
