In a significant advancement for renewable energy in Australia, Flow Power has successfully reached financial close on its first standalone battery energy storage system (BESS), named the Bennetts Creek project. This project is set to revolutionize energy storage in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, an area historically known for its coal production.
Project Overview: Bennetts Creek
Located near Hazelwood North, the Bennetts Creek BESS will boast an impressive capacity of 100 MW / 223 MWh, making it Flow Power’s largest project to date. This initiative marks a pivotal step in the company’s strategy to enhance grid stability and support the growing demand for renewable energy. Completion is anticipated by 2028, and the battery will not only store excess renewable energy but also provide frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) critical for maintaining grid reliability.
Technological Innovations and Infrastructure
The infrastructure for the Bennetts Creek project includes:
- Battery System: A state-of-the-art 100 MW / 223 MWh battery system, designed to charge during periods of high renewable generation.
- Transformers and Inverters: A 66 kV transformer and 3.5 MW inverters will facilitate efficient energy conversion.
- Transmission Lines: A new 66 kV transmission line connecting to the Morwell Terminal Substation.
- Security and Control: An onsite substation and operational control room ensure the project’s security and operational efficacy.
Wärtsilä is supplying the battery technology and control systems, while Zenviron is responsible for the balance-of-plant design, construction, and commissioning. This robust architecture is designed to discharge energy during peak demand periods, aiming to reduce costs and reliance on fossil fuels.
Impact on Australia’s Energy Landscape
The Bennetts Creek BESS plays a vital role in Australia’s ongoing energy transition. It supports the country’s efforts to integrate higher levels of renewable energy into the National Electricity Market (NEM) while providing essential grid services. By enabling better management of renewable energy, the project aims to:
- Firm renewable energy offtake for Flow Power customers.
- Reduce the need for costly transmission upgrades.
- Encourage consumer participation in clean energy initiatives.
This aligns seamlessly with national goals to phase out coal and other fossil fuels, particularly in regions like the Latrobe Valley, where the project is situated.
Flow Power’s Vision and Future Plans
As Flow Power’s 11th project, the Bennetts Creek BESS is foundational to the company’s broader strategy to develop battery energy storage solutions for commercial, community, and virtual power plant applications. The company is also exploring additional projects, such as the proposed Corowa Battery in New South Wales, which will further expand its clean energy offerings and reinforce grid services across Australia.
Local Economic Benefits and Job Creation
The development of the Bennetts Creek project is anticipated to have significant local economic implications. By enhancing grid reliability and supporting the transition away from coal, the project not only aids in job creation within the clean energy sector but also diversifies the local economy. It exemplifies how retailer-led investments can replace fossil fuel reliance while potentially lowering energy costs through deferred upgrades in the energy network.
With the Bennetts Creek BESS, Flow Power is not just contributing to the energy market; it is paving the way for a sustainable and economically viable future in energy storage.
