Image for illustrative purposes

Melbourne has launched a $1.1 billion renewable energy hub in the city’s west, featuring three Toshiba 500kV high-voltage transformers as part of a 600MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The hub, delivered by Equis Australia in partnership with government-owned SEC, will provide critical support to Victoria’s grid and power approximately 200,000 homes during evening peak demand.

All three transformer systems, integral to the hub’s operation, have been successfully registered with the grid, enabling the hub to support Melbourne’s metropolitan load as well as three Victorian renewable energy zones. The transformers connect the BESS to existing gas-insulated grid infrastructure via a world-first underground 500kV cable, designed by the Equis engineering team.

David Russell, managing director of Equis, highlighted the technical milestone, stating, “Our engineers designed a world-first underground 500kV cable connecting a BESS into existing gas-insulated grid infrastructure, while our investment team secured a landmark $400 million debt package.”

Construction involved over 1,200 workers, including 70 trainees and apprentices, and was completed on schedule since the Notice to Proceed in December 2023. The hub demonstrates the role of advanced high-voltage transformers in enabling large-scale renewable energy integration, enhancing grid stability, and supporting Australia’s transition to sustainable power.

Source: energymagazine.com