A major energy project on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is now one step closer, with Australian renewables company Maoneng receiving development approval for its proposed 240MWp / 480MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

The standalone BESS facility will be located adjacent to AusNet’s existing Tyabb substation. It will draw and store energy from the grid during off-peak periods and dispatch energy to the grid during peak periods, generating power for the equivalent of 40,000 average Australian homes.

The BESS will support the Victorian Government’s objective of improving the reliability of regional electricity in an area that is particularly exposed to fluctuations in demand, primarily as a result of seasonal tourism.

The $190 million project is scheduled for completion in mid-2023 and is expected to generate up to 160 full time equivalent jobs during its 12-month construction phase, which will support local businesses and the economy.

An engineering, procurement, and construction contractor is scheduled to be announced in the coming weeks.

Maoneng Co-founder and CEO Morris Zhou said the approval demonstrated the project’s value in supporting the network, the surrounding neighbours and the environment.

“The Mornington BESS will be a vital piece of local infrastructure that will benefit the local economy in several ways,” he said.

“It will help stabilise the network and manage periods of peak demand when local companies and households really need reliable electricity.

“There are also commercial opportunities during construction, and more work on the supply chain will begin soon as our contractor comes on board and begins the process of hiring individuals, companies and equipment suppliers as the project gets up to speed.”