Flow Power has marked a major milestone in Victoria’s clean energy transition, celebrating construction progress at its Bennetts Creek Battery project, while also announcing plans for a second large-scale battery project in the area: Bennetts Creek Stage 2.
Held at the Bennetts Creek Battery project site opposite Morwell Terminal Station on Gunaikurnai Country, the celebration on 14 September brought together project partners, community representatives and Flow Power leaders to recognise progress on what is set to become Flow Power’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The event commenced with a Welcome to Country by Gunaikurnai Elder Aunty Michelle Dow from Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, followed by speeches from Flow Power Chief Operating Officer, Byron Serjeantson, and Suraj Narayan, Wärtsilä Energy Storage Australia Managing Director. Guests then took part in a photo opportunity and ceremonial ground breaking before meeting with the Flow Power team for afternoon tea and project Q&A.
Bennetts Creek Battery will be a 100 MW/223 MWh BESS project, with a footprint of approximately 2.3 hectares, expected to begin operations in 2028. Once operational, it will support the integration of existing renewable energy generation into the Victorian grid during peak times and help place downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices.
Delivery of the Bennetts Creek Battery project is supported by Wärtsilä; providing battery technology and intelligent control systems, and Zenviron; responsible for balance of plant design, construction, installation and commissioning.
Byron Serjeantson, Chief Operating Officer, Flow Power, said the event marked an important moment for both the company and the state’s clean energy transition.
“Today’s celebration marks an exciting milestone for Bennetts Creek Battery and for Flow Power’s continued investment in Victoria’s energy future.
Projects like this are critical to supporting the integration of more renewable energy into the grid, while helping deliver the reliable and affordable energy households and businesses need.”
Following the event, Flow Power held a community day at Churchill Public Hall to announce Bennetts Creek Stage 2, a proposed second battery project to be located alongside the existing Bennetts Creek Battery site at Monash Way, Morwell. The proposed project would deliver up to 300 MW/1.2 GWh of additional energy storage, further strengthening the region’s role in supporting the state’s renewable energy future.
Bennetts Creek Stage 2 is currently in the early planning phase, with Flow Power undertaking initial environmental, noise and cultural heritage investigations. An application for Development Approval is being prepared for the Department of Transport and Planning, and Flow Power is seeking community input as part of the consultation process.
The Latrobe Valley region was selected for both projects due to its industrial zoning and strong proximity to existing grid infrastructure. The area’s transmission network was originally built to host some of Victoria’s largest and earliest generators, many of which are reaching end of life and scheduled to retire over the coming years. This makes the network well suited to new energy projects that can help accelerate the transition to cleaner power.
In addition to advancing Australia’s renewable transition and providing grid benefits, Flow Power says both projects reflect its ongoing commitment to community partnership in the region.
Current and proposed community benefit initiatives include electricity discount offers for neighbours, local residents and commercial and industrial businesses, support for The Little Village Project through a partnership with Kindred Spirits Enterprises, direct support for Hazelwood North Primary School, and backing for the Morwell Football Netball Club’s Junior Football Academy Program. Further initiatives are currently being explored with local organisations.
“We want the Bennetts Creek BESS to deliver benefits that are felt locally as well as across the energy system,” adds Serjeantson. “That means continuing to invest in practical community initiatives, supporting local organisations, offering discounted electricity plans to local homes and businesses and creating long-term shared value opportunities for the region.”
Notes to Editors
For media enquiries, images or interviews, please contact:
Kait Williamson, Head of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Flow Power
0482 662 185 | kait.williamson@flowpower.com.au
About Flow Power
Flow Power is an electricity, technology and engineering company that has been reshaping energy for Australia since 2008. Flow Power’s renewable energy portfolio encompasses wind, solar and storage – while its innovative approach uncovers new and better ways to deliver reliable, renewable energy that brings costs down and puts the power back in customers’ hands.
One of Australia’s fastest-growing energy retailers, Flow Power serves some of our best-loved organisations including Asahi Beverages, Sydney Opera House, Westpac, City of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, RM Williams, Newcastle Airport and Harris Farm Markets.
A long-term industry leader in the renewable energy transition, Flow Power has now launched its innovative residential electricity plan, Flow Home, which empowers Australians to make their homes a force for good in the renewable energy transition.
Flow Power: creating Australia’s renewable energy future, together.
