Project overview Connewarren BESS
Key details
Project benefits
The Connewarren BESS will involve the construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and its associated infrastructure.
Reducing impacts by co-locating the BESS with other energy infrastructure. Reducing overall power prices by storing electricity to be used when there is a shortfall of supply.
The BESS is expected to have a capacity of approximately 1,000MW/4,000MWh. The development of the BESS will also include a control room, substation and associated infrastructure, such as fencing and landscaping.
Additional storage capacity for the National Energy Market (NEM).
It will be located on the south side of Connewarren Lane, opposite the Mortlake Power Station and Mortlake Terminal Station. The BESS is expected to connect into the National Energy Market via an underground 500kV cable into the Terminal Station.
Facilitate the transition to clean and renewable energy sources.
The BESS area will occupy approximately 15 hectares (ha) of a much larger farming property.
Increasing energy reliability at times of low energy generation.
Indicative timeline and milestones
Q2 2026
Q2 2026
Q4 2026
Q2 2027
Q4 2027
Q4 2029
Planning application lodged
Public exhibition*
Planning approval
Grid connection approval
Construction commencement
Full operation
*Public exhibition of the planning scheme amendment is at the Minister’s discretion. Akaysha committed to undertaking meaningful and comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement throughout the process and beyond approvals. Feedback received will be considered in the design and layout of the BESS.
Why here? Proximity to Mortlake Terminal Station Support for nearby, existing and proposed energy generation projects Within the south-west Renewable Energy Zone Using a small area of open agricultural land.
Connewarren BESS Artists Impression