en.Wedoany.com Reported - TagEnergy has received development approval from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning to advance the Morwell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Latrobe Valley, a project with an investment of AUD 1.3 billion and one of the largest approved battery storage projects in Victoria.

The Morwell BESS is planned with a capacity of 1 GW and 4 hours of storage, capable of powering over 344,000 homes during peak electricity demand. Located in Victoria's energy hub, the project will directly connect to the existing 500 kV Hazelwood Terminal Station, approximately 650 meters from the site, leveraging existing transmission infrastructure and minimizing land use impact.

As the share of renewable energy generation in the electricity market increases, battery storage plays an increasingly prominent role in balancing grid supply and demand. The Morwell BESS will store electricity when generation exceeds demand and release it during peak periods, supporting grid stability, energy security, and efficient grid utilization.

Andrew Riggs, Managing Partner of TagEnergy Australia, stated that the approval is a significant milestone, and projects like the Morwell BESS help meet Victoria's growing storage needs. He noted that Victoria's power system is rapidly changing, and battery storage is critical to ensuring supply reliability. This project ensures electricity is available when and where it is most needed, providing the flexibility required to support a modern, resilient power system. With the Latrobe Valley long serving as the core of Victoria's power system, the Morwell BESS will help the region maintain its important position in the energy landscape for decades to come.

The project will now move to the next development phase, including securing a grid connection agreement and completing other activities required for delivery. The Morwell BESS is expected to reach financial close by the end of 2027, with construction commencing shortly thereafter. The construction period is 18 to 24 months, with operations planned to begin by the end of 2029.

This project builds on TagEnergy's existing battery storage investments in Victoria, including the 150 MW/600 MWh Golden Plains BESS currently under construction in Rokewood, further strengthening the company's portfolio of storage projects supporting the state's grid development.

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