Little River Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The Little River Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is located in Little River, about 14 kilometres north-west of Little River, Victoria. The project will support Victoria’s clean energy transition and secure reliable, affordable power for Victorians.
Once operational, the Little River BESS will be one of the state’s largest Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Key Technical Specifications
- Location: Little River, Victoria
- Capacity: 350MW / 700MWh
- Connection: Geelong-Deer Park Terminal Station (220kv)
Key Benefits of the Little River BESS
Supporting Victoria’s Clean Energy Transition
The Little River BESS is a pivotal component of Victoria's strategy to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. By providing a reliable and flexible storage solution, it will help balance supply and demand, integrating more renewable energy into the grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Enhancing Grid Reliability and Affordability
In addition to its environmental benefits, the Little River BESS will play a crucial role in securing reliable and affordable power for Victorians. By connecting directly to the existing 220kV network infrastructure, it can provide critical grid services, such as frequency regulation and peak load management, contributing to a stable and efficient electricity supply.
This infrastructure will help mitigate the impacts of power fluctuations and outages, aiming to deliver a more dependable energy system for households and businesses. Additionally, by utilising existing transmission lines, we can minimise construction impacts and reduce the need for new infrastructure development.
Development Timeline
- Land signed: The land for the Little River BESS was secured in 2023, providing a strategic location south-west of Melbourne.
- Development Application: The development application has been submitted to Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and their assessment is in progress.
- Connection Agreement: The connection agreement with the existing 220kV network infrastructure is expected in 2025, ensuring seamless integration with the energy grid.
- Construction Start: Construction of the Little River BESS is expected to commence in early 2026 with a planned completion timeline to meet operational deadlines.
- Energisation: The Little River BESS is expected to be energised from 2027, at which point it will begin providing critical energy storage services to Victoria.
Community
Community Benefit Fund
We are committed to building a positive legacy, together with the Little River community and surrounding localities. We have established a $1.5 million Community Benefit Fund to deliver lasting social and economic benefits.
Initiatives eligible for funding may include:
- Community grants and investments
- Scholarships, educational or vocational training
- Local procurement, jobs and training
- First Nations benefit sharing.
The Fund will be overseen by the Community Reference Group.
Community Reference Group
We strive to co-design a Community Benefit Fund to ensure we support meaningful community-driven initiatives that are inclusive and respond to local needs and priorities.
A Community Reference Group (CRG) will act as a key conduit for community involvement and represent local businesses, community and industry groups.
Interested in joining the CRG? Visit us at one of our upcoming drop-in sessions or email us at info@littleriverbess.com.au.
Join us at a drop-in session
Learn more about the project and share your feedback with our project team. Drop in at a time that best suits you.
- Thursday, 19 June 2025 - 4pm-7pm
- Friday, 20 June 2025 - 9am-12pm
Location: Little River Mechanics Institute Hall (8 Rothwell Road, Little River).
Community survey
We want to hear from you!
We would like to understand key priority areas for the local community to inform the Community Benefit Fund.
To participate in the quick survey, click here. The survey closes on 3 July 2025.
Find Out More
For more information about the Little River BESS, please visit littleriverbess.com.au/ or reach out to our project team at info@littleriverbess.com.au.
We are committed to keeping stakeholders informed and involved throughout the development and operation of this vital energy infrastructure project.