State-owned energy company SEC Victoria has secured a 10-year offtake agreement for a 102-megawatt (MW), four-hour battery at the Glenrowan Solar Farm in north-east Victoria, adding energy storage capacity to its portfolio.
The agreement covers the solar farm and battery project, replacing SEC’s existing offtake arrangement for the 102MW solar farm, which is owned by Pacific Partnerships.
According to SEC Victoria, the battery will store electricity generated during the day for use during periods of high demand, supporting grid reliability and helping put downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices.
SEC CEO Chris Miller said the agreement would strengthen the company’s ability to meet customer energy needs as Victoria increases its renewable energy capacity.
“Energy storage is critical to ensuring our customers have access to affordable, reliable electricity when they need it,” Miller said.
“This agreement will allow us to make better use of the solar energy generated during the day and strengthen our ability to supply customers during periods of high demand.”
Miller said SEC was continuing to build a diverse energy portfolio combining generation and storage to support Victoria’s energy future.
SEC currently supplies renewable electricity, backed by storage, to more than 4,400 sites across Victoria, accounting for approximately five per cent of the state’s total electricity demand.
The Glenrowan battery is expected to proceed to construction following financial close, with the development and construction phases expected to support local employment in the region.
Pacific Partnerships General Manager – Energy David Lovell said the agreement builds on the company’s existing relationship with the Victorian Government.
“We value our long-term and successful partnership with the SEC, which builds on the success of our solar farm being the first of those selected for VRET 2 support to start generating renewable energy for Victoria,” Lovell said.
He said the project would mark Pacific Partnerships’ first large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) hybridisation.
“Our agreement with SEC provides an important foundation for progressing the battery towards construction and delivering future investment and employment opportunities in Victoria’s north-east,” Lovell said.
