THE developer of a $190 million battery storage system at Tyabb expects it to be completed by mid-2023.
Renewables company Maoneng has been given development approval to build its proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) adjacent to AusNet’s substation in Thornells Road.
The BESS is designed to draw and store energy from the grid during off-peak periods and release enough back to the grid during peak periods to power the equivalent of 40,000 average homes.
Maoneng says its BESS will improve the reliability of electricity “in an area that is particularly exposed to fluctuations in demand, primarily as a result of seasonal tourism” (“Safety ‘top priority’ for power back-up system” The News 5/10/21).
The project is expected to generate up to 160 full time equivalent jobs during its 12-month construction phase.
Maoneng co-founder and CEO Morris Zhou said the building 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.”
First published in the Western Port News – 2 February 2022
