Lumea, part of the Transgrid Group, is moving forward with the development of a large-scale battery system intended to supply renewable, affordable, and reliable energy to electricity consumers in Victoria.
The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (MREH), slated for operation by 2025, will store surplus rooftop solar and grid energy to meet the state’s growing power demand.
Victorian Minister for the State Electricity Commission (SEC), Lily D’Ambrosio, joined Lumea Executive General Manager Craig Stallan at the Plumpton site to mark the arrival of two massive transformers.
Stallan expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The Lumea team is excited and very proud to be working with our customers Equis and the SEC to help them realise this important project. The accelerated development of the MREH plays a key role in meeting Victoria’s ambitious timeline of renewable energy and net zero targets.”
The project encompasses the design and construction of a 500kV renewable energy hub, the Plumpton Renewable Terminal Substation, and the installation of a 1.75km, 500kV underground cable connecting the battery to the grid at the Sydenham Terminal Station.
Recent milestones included the transport and installation of two 335-tonne transformers using a precise ‘jack and skate’ technique.
A third transformer is expected to arrive next month, with connection works on the first two already underway. These transformers will stabilise and convert energy to grid-compatible standards.
Highlighting the broader impact, Stallan added, “This is yet another clear demonstration of the rapid acceleration of the energy transition and the increasingly important role that will be played by large-scale storage in helping maintain grid stability.”
“Over the past five years, we have connected more than 55 generators to the grid and brought 12GW of energy to market – enough to power four million households.”
SEC General Manager Asset Delivery David Moo commended the progress, stating, “We’re excited to see the SEC’s first project take shape and continue to achieve construction milestones ahead of being operational later this year.”
“The transformers being installed will enable the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub to deliver up to 1.6 gigawatt hours of energy storage onto the grid—enough to power 200,000 homes during peak periods.”
Equis Managing Director David Russell also acknowledged the partnership’s success, saying, “We are proud we have worked at pace with our partners to bring a critical Victorian energy project online. With the SEC’s assistance, the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub is on track to complete within both the cost budget and time period forecasted.”
For more information, visit lumea.com.au.
