Australian renewables outfit Maoneng has been awarded grid connection assessment approval for a 240MW battery project in Victoria.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has given Maoneng grid connection assessment approval to connect the standalone 240MW/480 megawatt-hour energy storage project to AusNet’s Tyabb substation in the southern part of the Victorian grid.
The Mornington battery project received development approval earlier this year and is scheduled for completion in early 2024.
It is expected to generate up to 160 full-time equivalent jobs during its 12-month construction phase, which will support local businesses and the economy.
The BESS will draw and store energy from the grid during off-peak periods and dispatch energy to the grid during peak periods.
Maoneng co-founder and CEO Morris Zhou said the grid connection assessment approval was an important step forward for the project.
“The Mornington BESS is really coming together.
“We now have the assessment approval as well as the development approval, for an asset that will support the Victorian Government’s objective of improving regional electricity reliability.
“This project is progressing at a time when demand for renewable energy and associated storage capacity is increasing, and we are seeing a lot more interest in battery projects both in Australia and internationally – they are vital to the clean energy transition.”