One of the largest energy storage facilities in the world with federal approval
Australian Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek has confirmed the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, which is slated to include the largest energy storage facility in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) will feature a significant 1,200 MW/2.4 GWh energy storage facility, making it the focal point of the project. This facility has the capacity to provide power for more than 1 million households. Additionally, the MREH project encompasses a photovoltaic system and has the potential for future expansion to include hydrogen and battery recycling plants.
One of the largest energy storage facilities in the world – project details
The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH) will be situated on a 90-hectare site in Plumpton, located 25 kilometers northwest of Melbourne. Equis Development will be the owner of MREH, with support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board.
This project will utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries provided by the Finnish technology group, Wartsila. Notably, MREH is distinguished as the only Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Australia with a capacity exceeding 200 MW. It will be integrated into the National Electricity Market (NEM) 500 kV high-voltage transmission system, facilitating the rapid distribution of electricity. The system is further divided into six separate connection points, each with a capacity of 200 MW.
MREH photovoltaic installation and further investments
Additionally, the hub will incorporate a 12.5 MW solar farm with a primary role of providing auxiliary support to the energy storage cooling system. This dual-purpose approach is advantageous from both environmental and financial perspectives.
Equis has further revealed its intentions to undertake several other energy storage projects, including a 300MW/1,200MWh system in the vicinity of Tamworth in New South Wales, a 200MW/800MWh system near Brinkworth in South Australia, and two additional projects totaling 250MW in Queensland.
Source: pv-magazine-australia.com