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Latrobe Valley, Victoria – EnergyAustralia has today marked a major milestone with the official turning of the sod for the 350 MW Wooreen Energy Storage System (WESS) in the Latrobe Valley. The utility-scale battery storage facility will add reliability to Victoria’s energy supply while supporting the growth of renewable energy across the state.
EnergyAustralia achieved financial close for the Wooreen Energy Storage System on 20th February 2025. Construction will now commence on the four-hour, 350 MW Wooreen energy storage system. Once completed in 2027, the system will be capable of powering 230,000 homes over a four-hour period before needing to be recharged. With an investment of over $700 million, the WESS will be one of the largest energy storage systems in Australia, capable of providing vital grid stability for local communities and businesses.
The project will be located adjacent to EnergyAustralia’s Jeeralang gas-fired power station at Hazelwood North in the Latrobe Valley, chosen for its land availability and proximity to the existing power grid. This strategic positioning will enable the efficient integration of the battery into the electricity network, ensuring maximum impact for the Latrobe Valley, the Gippsland region, and the broader Victorian energy market. This project complements EnergyAustralia’s expanding portfolio of new energy projects, all designed to contribute to Australia’s renewable energy future.
The development is set to provide an economic boost to the Gippsland region, creating new local jobs during construction and operation, and continuing the Latrobe Valley’s proud history of powering industries and communities.
EnergyAustralia is honoured to acknowledge the Gunaikurnai Elders, who have gifted the name “Wooreen”. “Wooreen,” meaning “light”, reflects the project’s role in illuminating the path toward a sustainable energy future for the region and beyond.
EnergyAustralia Managing Director, Mark Collette, said: “At EnergyAustralia, our purpose is to lead and accelerate the clean energy transformation for all.
“The Wooreen Energy Storage System is the largest single project investment made by EnergyAustralia. Wooreen will provide capacity to meet demand peaks while enabling more renewable energy to enter the electricity market, contributing to better customer energy outcomes.
"We thank the Victorian and Australian governments for their support on this project as they have been instrumental in helping us reaching financial close on WESS. EnergyAustralia looks forward to delivering the Wooreen Energy Storage System by 2027.”
The battery equipment for WESS will be supplied by Wärtsilä Energy. “This project is a landmark step for EnergyAustralia as they continue to decarbonise their asset portfolio while maintaining reliability for their customers,” said Andrew Tang, Vice President of Energy Storage & Optimisation at Wärtsilä Energy. “We are excited to partner on this significant project and help support their long-term energy goals. Australia has already made great strides towards its decarbonisation targets, and this project will further boost its renewable energy capacity.”
EnergyAustralia has also partnered with Zenviron to deliver the balance-of-plant works. Zenviron Chief Executive Officer, Carl Keating, said: “Zenviron is delighted to be working with EnergyAustralia to grow Victoria’s energy capacity. We are very proud to be leaders in the delivery of balance-of-plant works for energy storage systems and look forward to working with the local community and businesses during the construction.”
EnergyAustralia is committed to providing significant community benefit sharing, with over $1 million invested throughout the life of the project. This includes a Light the Way Community Future Fund which will provide $500,000 in grants to local community groups and organisations, $300,000 for First Nations training and capacity building initiatives, and $200,000 for local Country Fire Authority training and resources.
EnergyAustralia extends its thanks to the local community, government agencies, and stakeholders who have supported the planning and approval process for the Wooreen Energy Storage System. The project is also in alignment with the Victorian Government’s renewable energy goals, reinforcing the state’s leadership in the energy transition.
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