By PEACE IJIYERA
THE Latrobe Valley might be home to another battery energy storage systems (BESS) after a project proposed by European Energy entered the planning stage.
Last week, the team at European Energy hosted a drop in information session at Hazelwood North Community Hall.
Throughout the session, about 15 locals came to learn about the proposed project, Gippsland BESS.
The project will see the development of a 600 MW, two hour storage duration BESS, that will be located near Tramway Road, near the Hazelwood Terminal Station.
For many years, the Latrobe Valley has held a long history in coal mining and powering Victoria.
As the transition towards renewable energy begins, the battery will help with energy storage, grid stability and helping to power houses in the event of a power outage.
With a construction timeline of 2027, the project promises to deliver an estimated 200 to 250 construction jobs. If successful, Gippsland BESS will join two such already operating and one under construction in the Latrobe Valley. Having multiple BESS units means increased reliability and efficiency.
Largely, locals seemed to be on board with the project, with one local exclaiming, “bring it on”.
Another had the idea of inviting Grade 5/6 students, who are the future and long term beneficiaries of renewable energy, in the hopes that they advice their parents and start the conversations even from their early years.
In an opposing view, one local wasn’t quite convinced.
“I’m not excited about it at the moment, I’m yet to see the benefits of all these renewables. I’m not convinced yet about renewable energy. For two hours of energy, it’s a lot of money”.
There was also some concerns around the environmental implications that this project will have on the land.
However, European Energy Australia Chief Executive, Catriona McLeod says that the wellbeing of the environment remains their priority.
“Environmental safety has been raised as a concern by some residents, but European Energy has a strong track record in this area, and I can assure everyone that the Gippsland BESS will prioritise environmental impact mitigation and safety.”
On behalf of European Energy, Ms McLeod extended her thanks.
“We’d like to thank everyone who attended our recent drop-in sessions for our Gippsland battery project. The event was well attended, and we’ll consider everything we heard as we continue the development process.
“We realise that these projects, while important, can be daunting for locals and we’ll continue to engage with the local community and provide updates on a regular basis in person, online and in writing. As we do with all our projects, we’ll also ensure the local community benefits from this project through a community benefits fund and by supporting local businesses and employment.
