Two proposals for new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Baw Baw Shire are currently being assessed by the Victorian Government – one in Shady Creek and another in Yarragon North. Proponents, Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia (SREA) and ZEBRE are holding community sessions next week to provide information.

North Yarragon BESS – Yarragon Public Hall
Monday 1 December 2–8pm
www.zebre.com.au/projects/north-yarragon-bess

Darnum BESS – Shady Creek Public Hall
Wednesday 3 December 3–6pm
www.darnumbess.com

Learn more about BESS

Opal and European Energy Australia have announced an exciting new collaboration that marks a significant step toward advancing renewable energy and circular economy initiatives in Gippsland. The companies have commenced a feasibility study at Opal’s Maryvale Paper Mill to assess the potential for carbon capture of biogenic CO₂ and its conversion into e-methanol, a sustainable fuel.

The study, expected to run until mid-2026, will evaluate both the technical and commercial viability of capturing biogenic CO₂ from the mill and using it to produce e-methanol—a clean chemical that can help decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as transport and manufacturing.

This milestone continues to strengthen Gippsland’s role in renewable energy innovation and celebrates our international collaboration with Denmark in Australia/New Zealand – Trade Council bringing expertise and proven experience to Australia.

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Lily D’Ambrosio, the Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources released draft renewable energy zone orders for public consultation on the 20th of November.

Renewable energy zones help coordinate renewable energy development, minimise impacts and unlock new economic benefits for regional communities.

The draft Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone is located between Morwell and Sale.  It includes parts of the local government areas of Wellington Shire and Latrobe City. Small sections of Baw Baw and South Gippsland shires are also in the zone.

It is within the Registered Aboriginal Party boundary of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

Follow the link to visit the Draft Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone including maps and detailed factsheets. 

VicGrid Details – Feedback

With Victoria’s aging coal power generation set to retire in the coming years, renewable energy from offshore wind will play an important role Australia’s east coast energy security.

State and Federal governments have planned for this transition, with regulations that developers must meet, including undertaking environment studies and sharing information with communities and other stakeholders.

These visualisations are part of Blue Mackerel’s Seascape and Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (SLVIA), which will inform the project’s Environment Impact Statement (EIS) – a critical study that is under development and will be published for public comment in the future.

The infrastructure is to-scale and precisely geolocated, so it gives you a very realistic experience of what the project could look like. 

Visualisation tool

SEC opens new community hub in Morwell.

The new community hub opened on Monday 27 October. Located at 248 Commercial Road, once the site of the former SEC Credit Union, the new hub is a space for the community to learn more about the opportunities the energy transition will bring.

The hub includes a public drop-in area where people can learn about SEC, including how to go electric at home and reduce their energy bills. It also features interactive displays demonstrating how renewable energy is generated and stored through wind, solar and storage, as well as how homes can generate, store and use electricity efficiently.

Visitors can also explore a model heat pump and induction cooktop that show how electric appliances can lower costs and emissions.

Learn more

VicGrid announced the three consortia to submit tenders to link the state’s proposed offshore wind projects with the main grid. 
• Gippsland Coast Connect (led by Iberdrola Australia Enterprises Pty Ltd)
• Genesis Partnerships (led by AusNet Transmission Group Ptd Ltd and Pacific Partnerships)
• Acciona (led by Acciona)

The invitation to tender phase is a significant milestone in the delivery of the transmission line, which will use 500 kilovolt double circuit overhead technology, starting near Giffard and connecting to the Loy Yang Power Station switchyard.

VicGrid’s decision to use a 500 kV line over a 330 kV version, means only one set of towers rather than two smaller ones will be required, and be more useful once more offshore capacity is connected up to the final 9 GW expected for 2040.

The recent Gippsland New Energy Conference held a supply chain breakfast session in Traralgon in September, where local suppliers had opportunities to link up with these major contractors.

A development partner is expected to be appointed in 2026.

Link to Media Release

VicGrid ICN Gateway

Powering Her Pathway is a groundbreaking Project aimed at breaking down barriers for women pursuing careers in clean energy trades. Delivered in partnership with TAFE Gippsland, global energy leader ENGIE, and RMIT University, the Project is designed to drive long-term, systemic change in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through tailored vocational training and direct employment opportunities, Power Her Pathways equips women in Gippsland with the skills, confidence, and support needed to thrive in the rapidly growing clean energy sector.  As Australia moves toward a net-zero future, demand for skilled workers will surge, making it essential that these opportunities are equally accessible. Powering Her Pathway ensures that women are not just included but empowered to lead in the clean energy transition. This Project was launched in Morwell at TAFE Gippsland by Federal Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP and is supported by the Building Women’s Careers (BWC) Program, funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.  

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Industry and governments recognise the transition to a clean energy future will only be successful if the world harnesses and empowers all possible talent. The renewable industry offers us an opportunity to make a paradigm shift from the old energy dominated by men. It is crucial to foster diversity and inclusiveness in the workforce to successfully implement clean energy solutions.

‘Gippsland New Energy – Women in Energy’ webpage a partnership between Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN) and Gippsland Women in New Energy (GWNE), is our way of supporting the Australian and indeed the global movement to honour women in the industry and showcase role models in the clean energy sector. This is with the aim of advancing the transition to a low carbon economy through advancing women’s participation in clean energy and closing the gender gap in the energy sector.

Visit page

Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP. cut the ribbon on Tilt Renewables’ 100 megawatt (MW), 200 megawatt-hour (MWh) Latrobe Valley battery energy storage system (BESS) on Thursday, at its location beside the existing Morwell terminal station.

“This is another renewable energy win for the Latrobe Valley, helping more homes and businesses benefit from this project, including lower bills and having a more secured power supply,” D’Ambrosio said at the ribbon cutting event.

The new BESS joins the nearby 150 MW, 150 MWh Hazelwood battery, built by Fluence, on behalf of Engie and Eku Energy at the site of the former brown coal generator, as the second in the region.

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