Minister seeks feedback on $100M Terang battery project

Published on 01 December 2020

Corangamite Shire residents can have their say on the proposed $100 million Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Terang.

Developer ACEnergy has asked Planning Minister Richard Wynne to amend the Corangamite Planning Scheme to allow the BESS at 70 Littles Lane.

Corangamite Shire Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason said the Minister, not Council, was responsible for the decision.

“In June, Council undertook consultation on the project and found there was community interest with opinions both for and against,” Mr Mason said.

“At its meeting that month, Council resolved not to provide support for intervention by the Minister, and to request ACEnergy submit a planning permit application to Council.”

In September, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning informed Council that ACEnergy had asked the Minister to decide on the project.

“In early November, an amendment to the Victoria Planning Provisions—Amendment VC192 – Energy Generation Facilities and Utility Installations—made the Minister responsible for all planning permit applications for energy generation facilities of one megawatt or more throughout the state. This includes battery storage projects,” Mr Mason said.

DELWP has said Amendment VC192 would help the State Government meet its Victorian Renewable Energy Target commitments, boost jobs and investment and reduce the administrative burden on councils.

Interested members of the public can see details of the project, reports and supporting documents, and submit comments here.

The BESS plan involves installing up to 78 shipping containers on 1.4 hectares next to the Terang Terminal Station.

Lithium ion phosphate batteries in the shipping containers will store up to 100MW of electricity not needed by the National Electricity Market and dispatch it during high demand or grid unreliability.

At its 15 December meeting, Council will consider making a submission on the project and proposed amendment. Consultation will run until 18 December.