Technology
75 MW BESS AC-coupled standalone
Battery Energy Storage System
Cobden BESS
75MW Battery Storage located on the outskirts of Cobden in Victoria
Storage Capacity
300MWh
Network Service Provider
Powercor
Project Status
Mid-stage development
Location
Cobden-Port Campbell Road, Cobden, Victoria, Australia Click to view on Maps
Project Overview
75 MW BESS in Cobden, Victoria
The Cobden Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project is located approximately 210 km south-west of Melbourne in Victoria’s Corangamite region. Situated strategically on a 6-acre/2.4-hectare site, this advanced energy storage facility is designed to significantly strengthen local power infrastructure, providing greater energy stability for the region.
The project will feature a total storage capacity of 300 megawatt-hours (MWh), sufficient to power around 15,789 average homes annually.
Construction is scheduled to commence in 2026, including a dedicated 66 kV grid connection located just 0.5 km from the Cobden substation. Network provider Powercor will facilitate effective integration into the existing grid, ensuring robust operational support and enhanced reliability for the community. Utilising lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology—recognised for its exceptional safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability—the Cobden BESS is designed with an operational lifespan of 40 years. Upon reaching the end of this period, the facility will be responsibly decommissioned, restoring the land to its original use and condition.
Project Development Status
This project is in mid-stage development.
Development
The Cobden BESS project is progressing steadily through its initial development phases. Current activities involve conducting comprehensive environmental and technical assessments in alignment with industry best practices, focusing particularly on minimising ecological impact and enhancing local biodiversity. Detailed grid studies are ongoing to ensure the project’s design is fully optimised for maximum system strength, efficiency, and effective integration within the regional power network. These critical studies support the project’s reliability and operational resilience upon completion.
Connection Agreement
The current agreement is from 2024 to 2026.
Approval by network operator (Powercor) to connect to the power grid.
Project Updates
Recent developments for the Cobden BESS include ongoing comprehensive environmental and technical studies conducted according to industry best practices. This includes evaluating potential impacts on local biodiversity and implementing strategies to mitigate any identified risks.
Community engagement efforts have commenced, involving one-to-one meetings with local residents, with broader community information sessions planned for later this year. Additionally, ARES has engaged with EMAC, the local Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP), to conduct a site assessment, including walking the land. Collaboration with EMAC will continue throughout the project's development.
Next steps include finalising studies and preparing the site for construction. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with an expected duration of approximately 9-12 months until the facility reaches operational status.
The Cobden BESS project is dedicated to enhancing regional grid stability and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. ARES remains committed to transparency and will continue providing regular updates as the project progresses.
Investment in the Corangamite Shire Region
Community Benefit Fund
ARES is establishing a Community Benefit Fund for the Cobden community and is engaging on what the fund could deliver. Feedback so far has suggested:
- Improved fire services in collaboration with the Victorian Country Fire Association
- Local infrastructure improvements
- Educational and environmental programs
- Community health and wellbeing initiatives
To provide feedback on the Community Benefit Fund contact us via feedback@areservices.com.au
Opportunities for local businesses and workers
ARES encourages local businesses, trades, and service providers to register their interest in the Project. To provide your details for our Local Service Provider Register email us at feedback@areservices.com.au
