Battery Storage Proposals Spark Land-Use Clash in West Gippsland
Three major battery energy storage system (BESS) projects have been proposed on agricultural land in West Gippsland, Victoria, drawing strong opposition from local residents and the Baw Baw Shire Council.
The Proposals
- Shady Creek (8 km north-east of Warragul): Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) has applied for fast-tracked approval to build a 200 MW storage system.
- Yarragon North: Taiwan-listed ZEBRE proposes a 210 MW BESS.
- Trafalgar East (Rowells Road): German-based ib vogt has lodged a planning application for a 360 MW BESS on an 18-hectare site.
These systems are designed to store electricity and discharge it into the national grid via existing high-voltage transmission lines during peak demand.
Opposition
Local farmer James Faithful has voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over loss of agricultural land, visual amenity, noise, light, and environmental risks.
The community group Friends of Gippsland has collected approximately 6,000 signatures on a petition opposing the projects.
Baw Baw Shire Council has written to the Victorian government requesting that alternative sites be found that are not on farmland.
Support and Justification
Andrew Bray of RE-Alliance argues that batteries are crucial for the energy transition away from coal power.
Samsung justified its site selection by pointing to proximity to existing transmission lines, cleared flat land, and the absence of major waterways or cultural significance.
ZEBRE has stated its system will use lithium iron phosphate technology, equipped with fire detection and suppression features.
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has developed guidelines for renewable energy facilities and confirmed it works with the industry on fire risk management.
Government Response
A Victorian government spokesperson stated that proposals will be considered on their merits, and that community submissions are encouraged.
Existing Facility
A small 5 MW BESS was already built at Longwarry in 2022, serving as the region's first operational battery storage site.