A new energy storage project is planned for the Latrobe Valley. It will use Australia's first compressed carbon dioxide (CO₂) battery to store renewable energy.
The project will be built at the 143-hectare SEC Energy Works site near Morwell. The site will include several renewable energy and energy storage technologies. These projects are designed to improve grid stability and help reduce electricity costs.
The first project at the site is the SEC Compressed Air Battery (SEC CAB). It is a 20-megawatt, closed-loop compressed CO₂ battery.
The battery can store about three times more electricity than a large-scale lithium-ion battery. It will store renewable electricity produced during the day and release it back into the power grid at night, when demand is higher.
The battery will be built by Energy Dome. The project is expected to support up to 66 jobs and help the Latrobe Valley continue its transition to renewable energy.
More renewable energy and storage projects are planned for the SEC Energy Works site in the future.
The project is part of Victoria's long-term energy and workforce development plans. The plans include investment in renewable energy projects and training for skilled workers.
A new apprenticeship program has also been established to support the future energy workforce. The program aims to provide 2,000 electrical trade apprenticeships over four years.