The Nowingi Solar Power Station, featuring a 125 MW solar farm and a 500 MW battery storage system, has been approved for construction near Mildura in northwest Victoria.
A Major Milestone in Australia battery storage Renewable Energy
The Nowingi Solar Power Station, which will include a 500 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), has received approval from the Murray River Council. This project is set to become the largest standalone battery energy storage system in Australia and one of the largest in the world. The project is strategically located near the Red Cliffs Terminal Station, providing access to the 220 kV transmission network, crucial for distributing the generated power efficiently.
The project’s development application was submitted to the Murray River Council in March 2023 and has since received unanimous support from the council’s planning committee. The Nowingi Solar Power Station is expected to create approximately 300 jobs during the construction phase and up to ten permanent jobs once operational, providing a boost to the local economy. Other solar projects in Australia are also contributing to job creation and clean energy goals. For example, EEW is developing a 200 MWdc Solar PV Plant in partnership with COBRA Australia, highlighting the continued growth in the renewable energy sector.
Project Details for Australia battery storage
The project will feature a 125 MW solar farm and a 500 MW/1,000 MWh battery storage system, which will be developed in two stages. The first stage will include the construction of the solar farm and a 250 MW/500 MWh battery, with the second stage adding an additional 250 MW/500 MWh battery. This staged approach allows for efficient scaling and integration of the project with the existing grid infrastructure.
The entire project will span 1,200 hectares, with the solar farm covering 500 hectares and the battery storage facility occupying 14 hectares. The remaining land will be used for environmental offset programs and additional development stages, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting biodiversity.
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Australia battery storage
The Nowingi Solar Power Station is expected to provide significant economic and environmental benefits to the region. The project will reduce electricity costs for businesses and households, enhance energy security, and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the project will support the Victorian Government’s renewable energy targets and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Similar projects, like the APA Group Completes Port Hedland Solar Farm in Western Australia, demonstrate the crucial role of solar energy in securing a clean energy future.
The project is also expected to generate additional economic activity in the region through the purchase of local goods and services during the construction and operational phases. The project’s community consultation process has received positive feedback, with local residents and stakeholders expressing support for the project. This community support underscores the importance of such projects in fostering local economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Future Expansion Plans for Australia battery storage
The Nowingi Solar Power Station is designed to allow for future expansion, with the potential to add additional battery storage capacity as demand for renewable energy continues to grow. The project is expected to play a key role in supporting the integration of renewable energy into the national electricity grid and ensuring the reliability and stability of the energy system. FRV Australia also launched a solar-storage project in Queensland, combining solar PV with battery storage to enhance grid efficiency, showing a growing trend in solar-plus-storage solutions.
Construction of the Nowingi Solar Power Station is expected to begin in the coming months, with the project anticipated to be fully operational by 2025. Once complete, the project will be a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to a clean energy future and a major contributor to the nation’s renewable energy capacity. Neoen also secured AUS$1.4B to expand its renewable energy portfolio in Australia, supporting 1.3 GW of wind, solar, and storage projects, highlighting the broader investment and growth in Australia’s renewable energy sector.