Construction of Mortlake Battery Energy Storage System Begins

Origin has officially commenced construction of the 300MW large-scale battery at Mortlake Power Station, marking a significant milestone in Victoria’s renewable energy landscape. The project is expected to be completed by late 2026.

The start of construction was celebrated with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Shane Harrison from the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation. The event, attended by Origin’s project team and key partners, was a symbolic gesture to cleanse the site and ensure positive energy for the project.

Conal McCullough, Origin’s Head of Development and Construction, highlighted the strategic advantages of the Mortlake site. “Located adjacent to the Moorabool to Heywood 500kV transmission line within Victoria’s South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the Mortlake battery will efficiently utilize existing infrastructure. It will store excess renewable energy generated during the day and release it during peak demand periods, thereby supporting grid stability as coal generators retire.”

The construction phase is expected to boost the local economy, with increased workforce numbers and local companies like McKinnons and Waremac providing goods and services. Additionally, a community investment fund has been established to support long-term benefits for surrounding communities.