Eku Energy and Shell Energy, together with minority equity partner Perfection Private, have announced the completion of Victoria’s second largest battery, the Rangebank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Rangebank BESS will play a crucial role in helping stabilise Victoria’s state electricity supply by providing additional storage capacity which can be discharged at times of peak demand.
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Situated in the Rangebank Business Park in Melbourne’s southeast, the jointly developed 200MW/400MWh BESS has the capacity to power 80,000 homes for an hour during peak periods.
For Eku Energy, Rangebank BESS is the third battery it has completed globally, adding to a growing portfolio of more than 50 projects in the pipeline.
Eku Energy chief operating officer Tom Best says, “Rangebank BESS represents a significant achievement for Eku Energy and further demonstrates our commitment to advancing battery storage solutions worldwide. It’s an honour to work alongside our partners to deliver innovative, impactful energy solutions for a sustainable future.”
Under a tolling agreement, Shell Energy will have access to 100% of the battery’s capacity over the next 20 years, strengthening its growing battery portfolio.
“Rangebank BESS is an important addition to Shell Energy’s battery portfolio being our first grid-scale battery investment in Victoria and Shell’s first direct equity investment in a utility-scale BESS globally,” Shell Energy Australia CEO Tony Keeling says.
“This project demonstrates how dispatchable power like battery storage complements renewables, in this case being located in one of Victoria’s fasting growing population corridors.”
Rangebank BESS features an innovative design, including a single contiguous concrete slab and externally located high-voltage cabling. This ensures simple access for maintenance and improves operational efficiency throughout the lifespan of the project.
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Construction partner and BESS supplier Fluence will be responsible for ongoing servicing and maintenance of the system.
AusNet played a key role in completing connection works within the Cranbourne Switching Station, which were delivered on time and on budget, contributing to the project’s overall success.
