Fluence Energy, Inc. ("Fluence" or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: FLNC), a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage, operational services, and asset optimization software, and project partners Eku Energy, Shell Energy, and Perfection Private, have officially opened the 200 MW / 400 MWh Rangebank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at an on-site ceremony in Cranbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
The Rangebank BESS, Victoria's second largest storage system, was officially opened on 3 December 2024 by The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosia MP, Victorian Minister for Energy & Resources, together with Tom Best, Chief Operating Officer Eku Energy, Tony Keeling, Australia Chief Executive Officer Shell Energy, Steven Murphy, Perfection Private, and Jason Beer, General Manager for Australia, Fluence.
Situated in the Rangebank Business Park in Melbourne's southeast, the jointly developed 200 MW / 400 MWh storage system uses Fluence's Gridstack™ grid-scale energy storage product and expected to have the capacity to power 80,000 homes for one hour during peak periods. Fluence will be responsible for the system’s ongoing servicing and maintenance.
"Opening the Rangebank BESS is another important milestone for Fluence in Australia as we continue to support the transition of Australia's energy sector," said Jason Beer, Fluence General Manager for Australia. "Large-scale battery storage systems like this are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. We value our partnership with Shell Energy, Eku, and Perfection Private on this important project that leverages our advanced energy storage solutions."
"Rangebank BESS represents a significant achievement for Eku Energy and further demonstrates our commitment to advancing battery storage solutions worldwide. It's an honour to work alongside our partners to deliver innovative, impactful energy solutions for a sustainable future," said Tom Best, Chief Operating Officer, Eku Energy.
"Rangebank BESS is an important addition to Shell Energy's battery portfolio being our first grid-scale battery investment in Victoria and Shell's first direct equity investment in a utility scale BESS globally. It will help support a more resilient power system in Victoria, and a more reliable energy supply for our customers as the energy market continues to evolve," said Shell Energy Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tony Keeling. ''This project demonstrates how dispatchable power like battery storage complements renewables, in this case being located in one of Victoria's fasting growing population corridors."
Under a tolling agreement, Shell Energy will have access to 100 percent of the system's capacity over the next 20 years, strengthening its growing storage portfolio. Rangebank BESS features an innovative design, including a single contiguous concrete slab and externally located high-voltage cabling. This is intended to help provide simple access for maintenance and improve operational efficiency throughout the project's 20-year lifespan.
Through the Rangebank BESS Community Grants Program, the Rangebank BESS is proud to provide enduring benefits to local not-for-profit organisations within the City of Casey. Grant recipients include Cranbourne West Public School, Cranbourne Park Public School, City in the Community, and Cranbourne Food Truck.
