Mortlake Power Station battery project : Origin Energy announces A$400m investment

Origin Energy, a leading energy provider, has approved the construction of a large-scale battery at the Mortlake Power Station in south-west Victoria. This significant investment, amounting to approximately A$400 million, marks a major advancement in Australia’s energy transition towards more sustainable and reliable power sources.

Origin Energy CEO Frank Calabria commented on the development: “The Mortlake battery is another significant step in our ambition to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions.” He further announced that contracts have been signed with Fluence, a global energy storage systems supplier, indicating the commencement of site preparation and civil works in the coming months.

With a capacity of 300 MW and an expected output of up to 650 MWh, the Mortlake Power Station battery is set to play a crucial role in firming variable renewable energy supply and ensuring reliable power for customers. This move aligns with Origin’s strategy to accelerate renewable energy and storage in its portfolio, emphasizing the importance of large-scale batteries and other storage technologies in Australia’s energy transition.

Mortlake Power Station to Boost Renewable Energy with New 300 MW Battery by Origin Energy

The announcement follows Origin’s previous decision to construct its first large-scale battery at Eraring, currently under construction. The addition of the Mortlake battery will enhance grid stability and support the integration of more renewable energy, particularly from the abundant wind and solar farms in Victoria’s South West Renewable Energy Zone.

Mortlake Power Station, the largest gas-fired power station in Victoria, boasts a generation capacity of 566 MW and operates on gas from the Otway Basin. This integration of the new battery project with the existing infrastructure highlights Origin’s commitment to balancing traditional energy sources with innovative renewable solutions.

The battery is expected to be commissioned by late 2026, marking a significant milestone in Australia’s journey towards a more sustainable and decarbonized energy future.

Origin Energy’s decision to invest A$400 million in a large-scale battery at Mortlake Power Station is a strategic move that underscores the company’s commitment to leading the energy transition. This project not only reinforces the importance of energy storage in supporting renewable energy sources but also demonstrates Origin’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges of grid stability and the decarbonization of the energy sector. The Mortlake battery project could serve as a model for other energy providers, showcasing how investments in renewable energy technologies are both economically viable and essential for a sustainable future.