Australia, Victoria: Akaysha Energy has submitted its proposed Glenrowan Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The facility is planned as a 400 MW / 1,600 MWh project in Victoria, designed to store energy for the National Electricity Market (NEM) while providing essential grid services.
The submission aligns with Victoria’s Development Facilitation Program (DFP), which aims to accelerate 700 MW of battery storage across the state. The Glenrowan site spans 62.11 ha near Winton, with the battery infrastructure confined to an 8.17-ha footprint. Existing agricultural land and the Glenrowan Terminal Station will be utilised, with underground transmission cables installed via directional drilling to minimise vegetation clearing.
The environmental assessment identified minimal ecological impact, with only five significant native trees requiring removal out of 185 surveyed. The project avoids sensitive ecological areas and is not expected to affect Matters of National Environmental Significance.
Construction is planned to begin in late 2027, covering battery modules, inverters, underground transmission lines, security fencing, and support buildings. A full decommissioning plan is included, allowing the site to be restored after the expected 30-year operational life.
Akaysha Energy previously developed the 850 MW / 1,680 MWh Waratah Super Battery in New South Wales. The company also has projects in the US, Japan, and Germany, and secured $213 M (AU$300 M) in corporate debt last year to support international expansion. Its current Australian portfolio includes 1.4 GWh operational, 4.5 GWh under construction, and 30 GWh in development globally.
Source: Index Box
