600MW Battery Project

The Latrobe Valley has played a longstanding role in Victoria’s electricity network due to its coal fired power stations and extensive transmission infrastructure. As Victoria transitions away from coal-fired generation and increases its reliance on renewable energy, additional battery storage is required to maintain grid stability, reliability and energy security.  

Hazelwood North and Churchill fall within one of the Victorian Government’s proposed renewable energy zones. This means that the Gippsland region has been identified as having abundant renewable energy resources and existing infrastructure making it ideal for renewable energy projects.  

Each battery storage system performs a specific role within the electricity network. While there may be several battery projects proposed or approved in the region, they do not operate as a single facility. Instead, each battery connects at a particular point on the grid and provides services such as storing excess renewable energy, responding rapidly to changes in electricity demand, and helping to prevent outages. 

Having multiple batteries in the same area allows the grid to: 

• respond more effectively to fluctuations in supply and demand, 

• support more renewable energy projects across Victoria, and 

• reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation during peak demand periods. 

Importantly, all battery projects are subject to detailed technical and regulatory assessments to ensure the electricity network can safely accommodate them. Projects are only approved where they can operate without compromising grid performance or reliability.  

BESS’ are designed to operate safely in bushfire-prone environments and are required to comply with strict Australian and Victorian safety standards. The facility will be designed with appropriate setbacks, vegetation management zones and fire-resistant materials to reduce bushfire risk. 

In the event of a bushfire in the surrounding area, the battery system can be safely shut down remotely or automatically, depending on conditions. The site layout is designed to limit the spread of fire, and individual battery units are separated to prevent fire transfer between units. 

A Bushfire Management Plan will be prepared as part of the approvals process, outlining prevention, response and recovery measures. This includes coordination with emergency services and compliance with guidance from Fire Rescue Victoria and other relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the site and surrounding community. 

BESS projects cannot connect to the electricity grid unless it has been demonstrated that the network can safely accommodate them. 

Each battery storage project undergoes rigorous technical assessment by the network service provider and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). These assessments consider the cumulative impact of all existing, approved and proposed connections in the area. 

Where multiple batteries are connecting to the same or nearby grid infrastructure, operating limits and control systems are put in place to ensure the combined output does not exceed what the network can safely manage. This includes automated controls that regulate when and how much power a battery can charge or discharge. 

If network constraints exist, projects may be required to curtail output, upgrade infrastructure, or modify operating arrangements. Batteries are only approved where they can operate without compromising grid stability, reliability or safety. 

Yes. Planning and technical assessments consider cumulative impacts, including noise, traffic, visual amenity and grid performance. Regulators assess how each project interacts with others in the area to ensure acceptable outcomes for the community and the electricity network. 

Each battery project must meet strict noise limits at nearby residences, both on its own and in combination with other developments. Noise modelling considers cumulative impact, and mitigation measures are required where needed to ensure compliance with Victorian noise standards. 

Each battery facility is designed to operate independently with its own safety, fire detection and suppression systems. Separation distances, site layout and emergency response planning are designed to prevent incidents at one site from affecting others.