LOCAL MPs and leaders in renewable energy transition are hoping to see early and meaningful consultation from developers of a proposed 400MW Glenrowan Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Akaysha Energy, in collaboration with BZ Renewables, formally announced their intention to develop the 400MW/ 1600MWh Glenrowan BESS neighbouring the Winton and Glenrowan solar farms.
Akaysha Energy general manager of development Tim Hoban said the energy company were looking to provide grid stability services, store energy from nearby electricity generation projects and discharge energy to the grid during times of peak demand.
“It really is an ideal site for this type of energy infrastructure,” he said.
“It’s relatively flat and close to the Glenrowan Terminal Station, which reduces the need for long distance transmission lines; it’s nestled amongst energy generating solar farms but it’s a significant distance to neighbouring homes.”
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The BESS is proposed to occupy around 10 hectares about nine kilometres southwest of Glenrowan and five kilometres northeast of Winton and would include a control room, substation and associated infrastructure for the 220KV transmission network.
As part of the planning process, several technical assessments are underway, including a Fire and Bushfire Risk Assessment which will be written with input from the CFA.
Subject to necessary approvals, construction of the project could begin in late 2026 and become operational in 2028.
Akaysha Energy senior community engagement manager Jasmine Kerameas said the development area has been found to have low bushfire risk, with no Bushfire Management Overlay present.
“Akaysha and BZ Renewables have done a lot of stakeholder engagement,” she said.
The project has been sited to avoid significant native vegetation removal and is located on land already cleared for agriculture.
The remainder of the lot will continue to be used for grazing.
Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said he hoped proponents of the Glenrowan BESS would be open and transparent and willing to provide clear answers to questions the community may have.
“Any developments of renewable infrastructure on a large scale need to be accepted by the community,” he said.
“I will work with the community to better understand their views and with the proponents to ensure that the right outcome is achieved, whatever that may be.”
Indi MP Helen Haines said it was vital projects of any proposed renewable energy infrastructure fully engage and consult with local community, uphold safety standards, protect the local environment and ensure long-term community benefit.
Wangaratta Landcare and Sustainability (WLS) member Russell Sully said WLS welcomed the proposed BESS at Glenrowan, wanting to see early and meaningful community engagement to determine how the appropriate community benefit was provided.
“The is a major step in North East Victoria for renewable energy and the electricity grid,” he said.
“With the expansion of solar farms in the Glenrowan area with good access to major transmission lines, it was only a matter of time before a big battery received consideration.
“It is important the role of big batteries and possibilities in the grid is understood, through good consultation so innovative community benefits emerge locally.
“Among other community benefits, there could be a new opportunity to consider ways to increase access to low-cost renewable energy for low-income social households in our area.”
Liberal Candidate for Indi, James Trenery, said he was eager to listen to the community and ensure they are listened to and have an opportunity to voice their views through the planning stages of the project.
"Delivering affordable and reliable energy is a top priority of the Liberal Party’s plan to get Australia back on track," he said.
"We need to deliver cheaper, consistent, and cleaner power.
"Labor and Helen Haines’ industrial scale renewables-only rollout is destroying prime agricultural land.
"We believe we need a responsible growth of renewables which avoids massive overbuild across pristine landscapes and agricultural land, which so many communities across Indi are concerned about."
Ms Kerameas said Akaysha Energy were looking forward to sharing more details about the BESS with the local community and hearing feedback on the proposal at a drop-in information session scheduled for the Glenrowan Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 15 March from 10am.
“We are interested in any feedback you have, so this can be reflected in the application before it is lodged,” she said.
“This may result in changes to the design or layout, or additional mitigation measures to reduce impacts.
“We are looking forward to talking about BESS technology and understanding what community benefit sharing opportunities we should be investing in.”
The project team, led by planning and engagement firm Cogency Australia, will be lodging a Planning Application with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in the coming weeks.
