Victoria’s second largest battery opened at Cranbourne

Eku Energy and Shell Energy, together with minority equity partner and owner of Rangebank Business Park, Perfection Private, have marked a significant milestone with the completion of Victoria's second largest battery, the Rangebank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Rangebank BESS will play a crucial role in helping stabilise Victoria’s state electricity supply by providing additional storage capacity which can be discharged at times of peak demand.

Situated in the Rangebank Business Park in Melbourne’s southeast, the jointly developed 200 MW/ 400 MWh BESS has the capacity to power 80,000 homes for an hour during peak periods.

For Eku Energy, Rangebank BESS is the third battery it has completed globally, adding to a growing portfolio of more than 50 projects in the pipeline.

Tom Best, Chief OperatingOfficer, Eku Energy, said:

Rangebank BESS represents a significant achievement for Eku Energy and further demonstrates our commitment to advancing battery storage solutions worldwide. It’s an honour to work alongside our partners to deliver innovative, impactful energy solutions for a sustainable future.

Under a tolling agreement, Shell Energy will have access to 100 percent of the battery’s capacity over the next 20 years, strengthening its growing battery portfolio.

Shell EnergyAustralia Chief Executive Officer, Tony Keeling, said:

Rangebank BESS is an important addition to Shell Energy’s battery portfolio being our first grid-scale battery investment in Victoria and Shell’s first direct equity investment in a utility-scale BESS globally. It will help support a more resilient power system in Victoria, and a more reliable energy supply for our customers as the energy market continues to evolve

This project demonstrates how dispatchable power like battery storage complements renewables, in this casebeing located in one of Victoria’s fasting growing population corridors.

Rangebank BESS features an innovative design, including a single contiguous concrete slab and externally located high-voltage cabling. This ensures simple access for maintenance and improves operational efficiency throughout the lifespan of the project.

Construction partner and BESS supplier Fluence will be responsible for ongoing servicing and maintenance of the system.

AusNet played a key role in completing connection works within the Cranbourne Switching Station, which were delivered on time and on budget, contributing to the project’s overall success.

Through the Rangebank BESS Community Grants Program, the Rangebank BESS is proud to provide enduring benefits to local not-for-profit organisations within the City of Casey. Grant recipients include Cranbourne West Primary School, Cranbourne Park Primary School, City in the Community and Cranbourne Food Truck.

The Rangebank BESS Community Grants Program has expanded local literacy resources, enhanced STEM programs, improved access to community sports for students, and supported charitable food services for disadvantaged and in-need community members.