The Carroll Labor Government is backing more energy jobs in Gippsland, helping deliver a major battery expansion at the former Hazelwood Power Station.
Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes today announced a key step towards ENGIE's Hazelwood Battery expansion reaching financial close.
The Government has declared Hazelwood BESS Line Co Pty Ltd a Declared Transmission System Operator, allowing the project to use existing transmission infrastructure.
The expansion will add a 150-megawatt battery with 300 megawatt-hours of storage to the existing battery commissioned in 2023.
This will double the site's power capacity to 300 megawatts, with enough combined storage to power 500,000 homes for up to 90 minutes.
The project will create up to 370 construction jobs, supporting local workers and businesses across Gippsland.
The expanded battery will store more renewable energy and supply electricity when demand is high, helping keep Victoria's grid reliable.
Built on the former Hazelwood Power Station site, the project will make use of existing electricity connections and infrastructure.
The expansion will help transform Hazelwood into a clean energy hub, supporting Gippsland's transition to renewable energy.
Expected to be completed in 2028, the project will strengthen Victoria's energy security and support a more reliable renewable electricity system.
This project is part of the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan that will deliver 68,000 energy jobs with 37 per cent in regional Victoria.
More than $18 billion in wages will be delivered to regional communities for workers with university, tertiary or high-school level qualifications from 2026 to 2040, including $4.62 billion in Gippsland.
As stated by Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes
"The expansion of the Hazelwood Battery Energy Storage System is another important step in Victoria's energy transition, helping to store more of our abundant clean, renewable energy."
"We're backing Gippsland's energy future with more local jobs, more renewable energy and the storage Victoria needs to keep the lights on."
"Jess Wilson and One Nation will cut projects like these, destroying local jobs and sending energy bills sky rocketing."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"This expansion will create up to 370 construction jobs while transforming the former Hazelwood Power Station into a clean energy hub."
