Community
4 July, 2024
Terang BESS remains in planning stage
THE $7 million Terang Battery Energy Storage System remains in the pre-construction phase 21 months after the Victorian Government announced funding for the project.
The State Government awarded $7 million to Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) in September 2022 under Round two of the Victorian Government’s Energy Innovation Fund (EIF).
The funding was to develop the Terang Battery Energy Storage System, including the installation of a 100MW/two-hour lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) using new grid forming inverters at Terang.
When the funding was announced, then-Premier Daniel Andrews said having adequate energy storage systems was “critically important” as more and more renewable energy flowed in to the system.
In response to questions Western District Newspapers submitted at the time of the announcement, an FRV spokesperson said talking about timelines was “always tricky” but the target date for the project to enter construction was mid-2024.
An FRV spokesperson this week told Western District Newspapers the construction of the project is now expected to begin in late 2024, with final completion expected in 2026.
“FRV is working with its consultants and contractors to prepare the final design package and the suite of management plans required prior to construction commencing,” the spokesperson said.
“Funding for the project is tied to specific project milestone dates on things such as the effective engagement of an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor through to completion and commissioning.
“Although some delays have been experienced, FRV is currently on track to meet these project milestones.
“The key final milestone before construction can commence is the endorsement of plans by the Department of Transport and Planning.
“This process is currently underway and FRV is presently updating design plans and management plans to ensure consistency with the final detailed design.”
The spokesperson said the project would commence as soon as possible, with FRV still considering the project to be on target based on the current scheduling.
“The primary causes for delay relate to completion of the final detailed design and supporting studies,” the spokesperson said.
“In particular, changes to the facility’s design have required subsequent updates to modelling outcomes and management plans.
“There have been no changes to the scope of the facility - the project will still be for a 100-megawatt (MW) battery with a storage capacity of 200 megawatt hours (MWh), - despite some minor changes which have occurred to the design of the facility in order to optimise efficiency.”
A spokesperson with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action confirmed the project was progressing, “with pre-construction activities advancing”.
“Round two of the EIF was open to any renewable technology type that could support Victoria’s net-zero emissions by 2045 target and met the eligibility criteria,” the spokesperson said.
“A total of $38.2 million was provided to four projects under Round two, which combined will create over 130 construction jobs, 20 ongoing jobs, and unlock more than $160 million of commercial investment.”