A Key Milestone in Victoria’s Energy Transition
The Victorian Government has set an ambitious renewable energy target of 95% by 2035, making large-scale battery storage a crucial component in the state’s energy strategy. Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio, who visited the Koorangie site to mark the project’s completion, emphasised the importance of battery storage in securing Victoria’s energy future.
“With these types of technologies, we can deliver lower power bills for Victorians and reduce our emissions. We need more of these projects to manage the transition effectively,” she said.
As part of her visit, Minister D’Ambrosio met with the Multiworks project team who delivered the civil works package, taking a moment to recognise their efforts in completing the site’s earthworks, foundations, and infrastructure. A photo of the minister alongside the project team in front of a Multiworks truck highlights the successful collaboration that brought this key renewable energy project to life.
The Role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Grid
As solar and wind energy continue to expand, battery storage systems provide a solution to one of the biggest challenges facing renewables—intermittency. The Koorangie BESS will:
- Store excess renewable energy and release it when needed, reducing reliance on fossil fuel backup power.
- Stabilise the grid by managing fluctuations in supply and demand.
- Reduce electricity costs by lowering wholesale power prices during peak periods.
- Enhance energy security, particularly in regional areas where grid reliability can be a concern.
With wholesale electricity prices fluctuating and concerns over energy reliability growing, battery storage technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in balancing Australia’s electricity network.
Project Completion and Civil Works Involvement
The civil construction phase of the Koorangie BESS, now officially completed by Multiworks, involved extensive earthworks, road construction, underground services installation, and concrete foundations for the Tesla Megapacks. Over 270 jobs were created during the construction phase, with at least 50 workers on-site at any given time.
The project was delivered with support from Victoria’s renewable energy industry, with Multiworks completing the civil works as part of its expertise in major infrastructure projects.
The Future of Battery Storage in Australia
The Koorangie BESS is part of a broader effort to integrate grid-scale battery storage across Australia, with several new projects planned in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. As the country moves towards net-zero emissions, investment in battery energy storage systems (BESS) is expected to grow, providing greater energy security and cost savings for consumers.
With the civil works for the Koorangie Battery Energy Storage System now complete, attention will turn to final testing and commissioning before the system is fully operational. Once online, the battery will help support the grid during peak demand, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Victoria.
