Three Battery Storage Projects Proposed on Farmland in Eastern Victoria

Three companies have submitted planning applications to install battery energy storage systems on farmland in Baw Baw Shire in west Gippsland, Victoria. Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia seeks fast-tracked approval for a 200-megawatt facility at Shady Creek, eight kilometres north-east of Warragul.

ZEBRE has applied to build a 210-megawatt system on grazing land at Yarragon North. German-based ib vogt has lodged a proposal for a 360-megawatt facility on an 18-hectare site at Trafalgar East.

The companies state the storage systems would hold electricity generated elsewhere and release it during peak demand once Latrobe Valley coal-fired power stations close. Samsung said the Shady Creek site was selected for its proximity to existing transmission lines, cleared and flat terrain, and absence of major waterways or areas of cultural significance.

Baw Baw Shire Council has written to the Victorian government opposing the three proposals and requesting that future battery projects be located off farmland. Mayor Kate Wilson said the council supports renewable energy but remains concerned about impacts on agricultural land, community safety, and environmental protections.

Local resident James Faithful, who has farmed cattle in Darnum for about 11 years, said the projects would remove agricultural land from production and create risks related to light, noise, visual amenity, and the environment. ZEBRE stated its Yarragon North project would use lithium iron phosphate batteries already operating at other Australian rural sites and would include heat, smoke, and gas detection systems with automatic isolation capability.

Samsung said it consulted the CFA on fire safety features including hydrants, water supply, a 10-metre firebreak, and remote shutdown systems. A CFA spokesperson said the agency works with regulators and industry on fire risk management for renewable energy facilities.

A Victorian government spokesperson said each proposal will be assessed on its merits and community submissions will be considered in the decision process.