Bennetts Creek Battery
Project overview
With a footprint of approximately 2.3 hectares and a planned output of 100 MW / 200 MWh, Bennetts Creek Battery is Flow Power’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, currently under construction.
About Bennetts Creek
Situated near the town of Morwell and Hazelwood North, Bennetts Creek is a stream located southeast of Victoria and soon to be home to Flow Power’s first and largest standalone battery. The Traditional Owners of the land where this project is located are the Gunaikurnai people.
Bennetts Creek is part of Flow Power’s strategy to turn customers into participants in the renewable transition, pairing long-term renewable offtake with large-scale storage so more homes and businesses can access firmed renewable supply.
Projects such as Bennetts Creek add large‑scale storage to firm Flow Power’s growing renewable portfolio, enabling the expansion of innovative retail offerings that reward customers for supporting the grid at critical times.
Project details
This project will incorporate:
- 100 MW / 200MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) including a 66 kV transformer and 3.5 MW inverters
- A new 66 kV transmission line connection to the existing Morwell Terminal Substation
- An onsite substation
- An operational and maintenance facility with control room
- Security fencing around the outside of the BESS
Delivery of the project will be supported by Wärtsilä, providing battery technology and intelligent control systems, and Zenviron, handling the balance of plant design, construction, installation and commissioning.
About the location
Flow Power selected the land due to its land use compatibility (previously industrially zoned and unused) and proximity to grid connection infrastructure. The area is home to numerous energy generation projects due to the existing transmission network available from retiring coal generators.
The area is also known for the Hazelwood coal mine fire which was the largest and longest-burning mine fire to occur in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley.
There are significant environmental impacts that are associated with coal mining, one being fires which can burn for decades, releasing ash and smoke filled with greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals.
BESS projects like Bennetts Creek Battery add more clean renewable energy to the grid energy mix, helping reduce emissions produced by fossil fuel generation.
How does the battery work?
Bennetts Creek Battery will be topped up with energy when renewable generation is high and quickly discharge to supply our shared grid when energy is needed to help reduce electricity prices and the need for more fossil fuel generation.
The battery will provide energy supply for Flow Power’s growing Victorian Purchase Power Agreement customer base, firming their renewable energy offtake.
Battery projects are ideal renewable “firming” assets as they can quickly supply the grid with energy when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Battery assets can react significantly faster than coal generators, making them ideal for firming electricity supply in ways that thermal generation can’t. This creates a more secure electricity network and performs a special role in the NEM’s generation mix.
The BESS will operate to allow a greater share of renewable energy in the network, by absorbing excess electricity produced during the day and storing for use in the evening.
The BESS will also provide FCAS (Frequency Control and Ancillary Services) to ensure the stability and reliability of the local distribution network. Put simply, FCAS keeps the grid within a safe frequency by balancing supply and demand, helping to prevent blackouts and outages.
Local community initiatives
Through the not-for-profit organisation Kindred Spirits, The Little Village Project helps primary schools to engage disadvantaged students and support them to thrive.
Flow Power is proud to be supporting Hazelwood North Primary School via the project which is one of the closest schools to the site.
Flow Power is supporting Morwell Football Netball Club’s Junior Football Academy Program.
This program is provided to attendees at no cost, and engages children from ages 14-17. It includes sessions focused on strength and conditioning, mental health, nutrition and leadership.
How will Bennetts Creek Battery project work?
Work with us
Flow Power is committed to working with local businesses in the regions where we operate. If you’re supplier or local business looking to partner with us, we want to hear from you.
If you’re wondering whether your land is right for a renewable energy project or want to learn more about the project development process, register your interest in project development opportunities with us.
If you’d like to know more about Bennetts Creek Battery Project, get in touch with Flow Power today.
You can provide feedback or complaints via this form or contact us on info@BennettsCreekBattery.com.au
Existing Flow Power customers, please contact your dedicated account managers.