Victoria’s push toward renewable energy has received a major boost, with the SEC’s massive 600-megawatt battery in Plumpton officially switched on and feeding power into the grid ahead of summer.
The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, jointly owned by the SEC and Equis Australia, is now one of the largest operational batteries in the world.
With 1.6 gigawatt hours of storage, it is capable of supplying electricity to up to 200,000 homes during the state’s busy evening peak, according to the SEC.
Strategically located at a key junction of Victoria’s transmission network, the Plumpton hub is expected to improve grid stability and unlock capacity for more renewable projects across the state.
SEC chief executive Chris Miller said the hub represents the organisation’s first major investment and a critical step forward in supporting Victoria’s energy transition.
“The hub will soak up excess wind and solar power during the daytime and shift that energy to the evening peak when we need it most,” Mr Miller said.
He said the SEC’s contribution was essential to getting the project up and running off the ground, allowing construction to begin and enabling one of the site’s three large batteries to be expanded from two to four hours of storage.
“I commend our partner, Equis Australia, together with all suppliers, contractors and delivery partners who worked tirelessly to deliver the hub to market – on time and on budget,” he said.
The project has also delivered a significant economic boost, creating work and training opportunities for more than 1200 people.
More than 70 trainees and apprentices contributed to the build, accounting for roughly 20 per cent of total project hours.
Equis managing director David Russell said the project’s successful completion showed what could be achieved through strong collaboration.
“Today’s milestone shows that when industry and government work together, we can deliver complex, large-scale infrastructure that strengthens the grid, creates jobs, and helps reduce power prices for consumers,” he said.
The Plumpton hub serves as the first investment under the SEC’s initial program to deliver 4.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy and storage aimed at driving down energy costs for Victorians.
