Bennetts Creek Battery
Project overview
With a footprint of approximately 2.3 hectares and a planned output of 100 MW / 200 MWh, the Bennetts Creek Battery is Flow Power’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project.
Project details
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.
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
This BESS project will be a significant addition to Flow Power’s 100% renewable generation portfolio.
View the planning permit and associated documents here.
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, avoiding the emissions produced by fossil fuel generation.
How does the battery work?
The 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.
If you’d like to know more about the Bennetts Creek Battery Project, get in touch with Flow Power today.
1800 377 639
ProjectsTeam@BennettsCreekBattery.com.au
Existing Flow Power customers, contact your dedicated account managers.
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