Victoria’s second-largest battery energy storage system has officially commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to renewable energy.
The 200 MW / 400 MWh Rangebank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was inaugurated on December 3, 2024, in Cranbourne, Melbourne.
Developed jointly by Eku Energy, Shell Energy, and Perfection Private, the Rangebank BESS is designed to enhance grid stability and provide crucial energy storage capacity.
The system can power approximately 80,000 Victorian homes for one hour during peak demand periods.
The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Victoria’s Minister for Energy and Resources, presided over the opening ceremony, emphasising the project’s importance in the state’s renewable energy strategy.
The Rangebank BESS is a key component of Victoria’s ambitious energy storage targets, which aim for 2.6 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and 6.3 GW by 2035.
It utilises Fluence’s Gridstack technology, and Fluence is responsible for ongoing servicing and maintenance.
Shell Energy has secured 100 per cent of the battery’s offtake through a 20-year agreement, marking its first grid-scale battery investment in Victoria and Shell’s first direct equity investment in a utility-scale BESS globally.
The Rangebank BESS is one of 12 utility-scale battery projects currently under construction or commissioning in Victoria.
Collectively, they will add 1.4 gigawatts of output capacity and 3.2 gigawatt-hours of storage.
This expansion in energy storage is crucial for Victoria’s transition to 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035.
The project includes a Community Grants Program, which will provide support to local not-for-profit organisations within the City of Casey.
This demonstrates a commitment to community engagement and local development.
As Australia continues to advance its renewable energy sector, projects like the Rangebank BESS play a vital role in ensuring grid stability and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources into the national power system.
