Allens has advised ENGIE Australia on the development of the second stage of the Hazelwood Battery Energy Storage System (HBESS 2), which will add a further 150MW / 300MWh of battery storage capacity at the former Hazelwood Power Station site in Victoria.
HBESS 2 builds on the existing 150MW / 150MWh Hazelwood BESS, on which Allens also advised, and will increase the site’s total installed battery storage capacity to 300MW / 450MWh. The expansion continues the transformation of the former coal-fired power station site into a hub for new energy infrastructure.
Allens advised on key aspects of the project, including construction, operations, grid connection, offtake arrangements and tenure.
Joint lead partner Kate Axup said: ‘The expansion of the Hazelwood BESS demonstrates the important role large-scale battery storage can play in repurposing former thermal generation sites. Having advised ENGIE on the original Hazelwood BESS, we are delighted to continue supporting the development of the site as it enters its next stage and ENGIE as it expands its portfolio of batteries in Australia.’
Joint lead partner David Donnelly said: ‘We continue to see significant investment in large-scale battery storage as Australia’s electricity system requires greater capacity and flexibility to support increasing levels of renewable generation. HBESS 2 reflects the role batteries are increasingly playing in providing that flexibility as Australia’s generation mix continues to change.’
Allens has extensive experience advising on the development of major battery energy storage projects across Australia, including Pacific Green’s 250MW / 500MWh Limestone Coast North BESS in South Australia. The matter also continues the firm’s longstanding work with ENGIE on battery projects, including the original Hazelwood BESS and the Pelican Point BESS in South Australia.
