Rangebank BESS Construction Update

The Rangebank BESS is pleased to report, following the mobilisation of construction resources in June 2023 under the early works pre-construction approvals, that the project has achieved significant milestones in both the regulatory and delivery elements of the works.

In the regulatory space, in October the project secured full approval for the BESS construction from the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and, more recently, additional approval to commence the Cranbourne Terminal Station (CBTS) integration works with AusNet, connecting the BESS to the National Electricity Market.

From June to October, pre-construction progress has advanced well with the completion of bulk earthworks and primary civil foundations to support the BESS equipment.  Equipment deliveries commenced in early October which saw the first Fluence GridStack cubes arriving on site.  Delivery and placement of the cubes is continuing with approximately 250 of the 640 total set in position.

The project has concluded design and procurement activities with all equipment items now ordered and forecast delivery of major components (switchroom, O&M building, main transformer) scheduled for early 2024.

With completion of the bulk civil works, the site is transitioning to the mechanical and electrical disciplines that are responsible for the BESS equipment installation, termination and in the near future, energisation and commissioning.

The 220kV cable connection between the BESS and the CBTS, including the new bay works in the terminal station, is scheduled to commence in January 2024.

The project is currently on schedule with energisation forecast for May 2024.