TagEnergy has received development approval from Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning for the proposed $1.3 billion Morwell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), paving the way for one of Victoria’s largest approved battery storage projects to move forward in the Latrobe Valley.
The Morwell BESS will have a capacity of up to 1GW, providing four hours of storage and enough energy to power more than 344,000 homes during periods of peak demand.
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Located in Victoria’s energy heartland, the project will connect directly into the existing 500kV Hazelwood Terminal Station, approximately 650m from the site, allowing it to leverage existing transmission infrastructure while minimising land use impacts.
As more renewable generation enters the electricity market, battery storage is becoming increasingly important in balancing supply and demand across the grid. Morwell BESS will store electricity during periods of surplus generation and dispatch it when demand is highest, supporting grid stability, energy security and more efficient use of the electricity network.
TagEnergy managing partner Australia Andrew Riggs welcomed the approval and said projects such as Morwell BESS would help meet the growing need for energy storage across Victoria.
“Victoria’s electricity system is changing rapidly and battery storage will be essential to ensure reliable power remains available as demand continues to grow and new sources of generation come online,” he said.
“Projects like Morwell BESS help ensure electricity is available when and where it is needed most, providing the flexibility required to support a modern and resilient electricity system.
“The Latrobe Valley has been at the centre of Victoria’s electricity system for generations. Morwell BESS will help ensure the region remains a vital part of the state’s energy landscape for decades to come.”
The project will now progress towards the next stages of development, including securing a grid connection agreement and completing the remaining activities required to support delivery.
Morwell BESS is expected to reach financial close by the end of 2027, with construction anticipated to commence shortly thereafter and take between 18 and 24 months to complete. It is expected to be operational in late 2029.
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The project builds on TagEnergy’s growing investment in battery storage across Victoria, including the 150MW/600MWh Golden Plains BESS currently under construction in Rokewood, and further strengthens the company’s portfolio of energy storage projects supporting the state’s evolving electricity network.
