Australian Securities Exchange-listed Origin Energy is set to inject approximately US$263.7 million (AU$400 million) into a cutting-edge battery storage project at the site of its Mortlake Power Station gas-fired peaking power plant in Victoria. This investment underscores Origin's commitment to accelerating renewable energy integration within its portfolio, aligning with Australia's broader energy transition goals.
Located within Victoria's designated Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the 650MWh project boasts a 2-hour duration and 300MW output, equipped with grid-forming capabilities via advanced inverters. Origin's CEO, Frank Calabria, emphasizes the pivotal role of large-scale batteries in Australia's energy evolution, emphasizing their significance in the transition to renewables.
Fluence, a leading energy storage system integrator, has been selected to supply its state-of-the-art battery energy storage system (BESS) technology for the Mortlake Battery project. The project's deployment will utilize Fluence's GridStack modular BESS solution, with a 15-year service agreement in place, ensuring optimal system performance.
Scheduled to commence commercial operation in late 2026, the Mortlake Battery project stands as a beacon of progress within Australia's renewable landscape. Positioned strategically within the South West REZ, the project will harness surplus energy generated by wind and solar installations, while leveraging existing infrastructure at the Mortlake peaker facility.
Moreover, Origin's commitment to battery storage extends beyond Mortlake, with the Eraring BESS project underway in New South Wales. With coal's diminishing competitiveness, Origin's proactive approach underscores the necessity for diversified energy solutions. As Australia charts its path towards a sustainable energy future, Origin's investments in cutting-edge technologies herald a promising trajectory for the nation's energy landscape.
Source: energy-storage.news