EnergyAustralia has officially turned the first sod at its 350MW Wooreen Energy Storage System (WESS) in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.
The utility-scale battery storage facility will add reliability to Victoria’s energy supply while supporting the growth of renewable energy across the state.
Related article: Edify’s Koorangie Battery exports power to grid for first time
Once completed in 2027, the system will be capable of powering 230,000 homes over a four-hour period before needing to be recharged. With an investment of over $700 million, the WESS will be one of the largest energy storage systems in Australia, capable of providing vital grid stability for local communities and businesses.
The project will be located adjacent to EnergyAustralia’s Jeeralang gas-fired power station at Hazelwood North in the Latrobe Valley, chosen for its land availability and proximity to the existing power grid.
This strategic positioning will enable the efficient integration of the battery into the electricity network, ensuring maximum impact for the Latrobe Valley, the Gippsland region, and the broader Victorian energy market.
EnergyAustralia said Gunaikurnai Elders had gifted the project its name, with Wooreen meaning “light”.
Related article: Eku Energy wins LDES service agreement for Griffith Battery
EnergyAustralia managing director Mark Collette said, “The Wooreen Energy Storage System is the largest single project investment made by EnergyAustralia. Wooreen will provide capacity to meet demand peaks while enabling more renewable energy to enter the electricity market, contributing to better customer energy outcomes.”
The battery equipment for WESS will be supplied by Wärtsilä Energy. EnergyAustralia has also partnered with Zenviron to deliver the balance-of-plant works.
