Maoneng’s Mornington BESS project goes on public exhibition

Australian renewable energy pioneer Maoneng has revealed more details of its proposed 240MWp / 480MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, which is now on public exhibition.

The BESS represents hundreds of millions of dollars of investment that will improve electricity grid reliability and network stability by drawing energy from the grid during off-peak periods for battery storage, and dispatching energy to the grid during peak periods.

Maoneng’s proposed Mornington BESS will support the Victorian Government’s objective of improving regional electricity reliability, while also helping promote clean technologies and economic growth.

The Mornington Peninsula is subject to fluctuations in demand for electricity, primarily as a result of seasonal tourism. The standalone facility, planned to be built adjacent to the existing Tyabb substation, is expected to generate up to 150 full time equivalent jobs during its twelve-month construction phase, supporting local businesses and the economy.

The company is currently undertaking a competitive tender process to select an appropriately experienced contractor, and completion is expected in late 2022.

There are no significant environmental impact concerns regarding the project, and Maoneng will continue to work closely with the local community throughout the development phase.

Maoneng’s Co-founder and CEO Morris Zhou said the Mornington BESS represented an important piece of the puzzle as Victoria’s renewable energy transition gathered pace.

“A vital part of the Victorian Government’s Renewable Energy Action Plan is the integration of energy storage. Our facility directly supports this strategy and will play a key role in local grid stability.

“As Australia’s electricity grid makes increasing use of renewable generation, we see a bright future for BESS projects. They provide numerous benefits by operating on a commercial basis to deliver long-term sustainable outcomes that support all stakeholders – from local businesses and communities to the state government, regulators and investors.”

The opening of the Mornington BESS’s public exhibition period closely follows the company’s recent submission of plans for another BESS in Gould Creek, near Adelaide. The proposed 225MWp / 450MWh project is scheduled for completion in mid 2023, and has Crown sponsorship support from the Department of Energy and Mining.