A major battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Little River has been fast-tracked to provide households and businesses with more affordable and reliable renewable energy during peak demand periods.
The ACEnergy BESS project will store up to 770 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy generated during the day and release it back into the grid when electricity demand is highest. This will help lower energy bills and improve the stability of the electricity supply for more than 121,000 homes.
With an investment of $350 million, the project is expected to create around 55 jobs during construction and five ongoing roles once operational.
Extensive consultation was carried out with local residents, councils, emergency services, and energy safety authorities before approval, including an extended consultation period at the request of the local council.
The project benefits from a streamlined approval process introduced last year to accelerate renewable energy developments and reduce lengthy delays that previously affected many projects.
This effort supports ongoing growth in renewable energy infrastructure, helping to maintain some of the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the country and advancing the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.