Australia's Rangebank Battery: A Game Changer for Victoria's Energy Landscape

The Australian energy landscape is witnessing a significant shift towards renewable energy, with the recent opening of the Rangebank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Victoria serving as a testament to this transformation. The 200 MW / 400 MWh battery, Victoria's second-largest, is set to play a pivotal role in stabilizing the state's electricity grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The Rangebank BESS, a joint venture between Eku Energy, Shell Energy, and Perfection Private, was officially opened on December 3, 2024, by The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio MP, Victorian Minister for Energy & Resources. The battery, located in the Rangebank Business Park in Melbourne's southeast, is expected to have the capacity to power 80,000 homes for an hour during peak periods.



The innovative design of the Rangebank BESS, featuring a single contiguous concrete slab and externally located high-voltage cabling, ensures simple access for maintenance and improves operational efficiency. This design allows the battery to provide essential grid services, supporting lower bills for households and businesses, and ensuring safe, secure, and reliable electricity supply.

Under a tolling agreement, Shell Energy will have access to 100 percent of the system's capacity over the next 20 years, strengthening its growing storage portfolio. This agreement aligns with Victoria's renewable energy goals, as the battery's storage capacity can power 80,000 homes for an hour during peak periods, supporting a more resilient power system and lower bills for households and businesses.



The Rangebank BESS is part of a growing portfolio for Eku, which now has three operational assets and more than 50 projects in the development pipeline across Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy. The company's commitment to advancing battery storage solutions worldwide is evident in its expanding portfolio, which includes the 150 MW/150 MWh Hazelwood and 300 MW / 1,200 MWh Tramway Road batteries in Victoria, and the 250 MW / 500 MWh Williamsdale battery being developed in the Australian Capital Territory.

The opening of the Rangebank BESS marks a significant milestone in Victoria's renewable energy transition, contributing to the state's target of 2.6 GW of renewable energy storage capacity by 2030. With the addition of the Rangebank BESS, Victoria is on track to achieve this goal, further enhancing the state's energy security and affordability.

In conclusion, the Rangebank BESS is a game-changer for Victoria's energy landscape, contributing to grid stability, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting the state's renewable energy goals. The innovative design, strategic partnerships, and long-term agreements ensure the project's financial viability and enduring impact on the region's energy future. As the global energy transition continues, investments in energy storage solutions like the Rangebank BESS will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient power system.