SEI, ACEnergy & ACLE Services To Deliver A Portfolio Of Distributed BESS Facilities Across Australia

24 May, 2024

Sustainable Energy Infrastructure (SEI) and ACEnergy (ACE) have entered into a development agreement to build, own and operate a portfolio of Distributed Battery Energy Storage System (DBESS) facilities across regional Australia. 

The first phase of this program will comprise 7 (seven) ~5MW DBESS projects with 2-hour batteries located across regional Victoria. The combined capacity of first phase is ~ 35MW/70MWh. These DBESS projects will be constructed by ACLE Services (ACLE) on a full-wrap Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) basis with commissioning planned progressively to July 2025. ACLE will also provide O&M services to the projects under a long-term O&M contract. 

The second phase of the portfolio roll out is expected to deliver an additional 20 DBESS projects with a combined capacity of 100MW/200MWh across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. 

SEI, managed by global real assets investment manager PATRIZIA, on behalf of a consortium of Australian superannuation funds, recognises the value of developing and providing sustainable energy solutions across regional Australia. This development partnership between SEI and ACE, an established renewable energy asset developer, constructor and operator is a strong fit considering the shared philosophy on safety, quality and ESG values. The partnership of DBESS facilities is a great addition to SEI’s existing portfolio of renewable assets as it continues to increase its investment in sustainable infrastructure. 

Saji Anantakrishnan, SEI Director and PATRIZIA Infrastructure’s Head of Australia and Asia, on behalf of SEI’s unitholders, said “We look forward to working with ACE and ACLE to deliver a portfolio of DBESS projects to support Australia’s energy transition as well as providing stability to local communities, consistent with SEI and PATRIZIA’s approach to responsible investment.” 

“The partnership between SEI and ACE is typical of our mid-market infrastructure strategy, which focuses on building long-term complementary partnerships with experienced industry counterparties to ensure strong value creation through an identified pipeline of growth opportunities.” 

Raymond Wang, Managing Director of ACEnergy said “Developing projects in distribution networks has been a cornerstone of our operations. With extensive knowledge and experience throughout regional Australia, we are confident in successfully delivering these projects, as we have consistently done before.” 

Brenton Moratto, Director of ACLE, commented, “With over 25 successfully completed projects in regional Victoria, we are well-acquainted with the expectations of all stakeholders. We share SEI’s dedication to local communities and welcome the job creation and job certainty that this investment brings. ACLE is excited to contribute to improved grid flexibility and distribution-level reliability with the deployment of this project pipeline.

About SEI:

SEI is a leading owner and operator of sustainable energy infrastructure assets. SEI owns and operates a portfolio of 22 generation and distributed energy assets across Australia with operations overseen by an experienced in-house management team. 

SEI is owned by two leading Australian superannuation funds with a long track record of investing in Australian infrastructure. SEI is managed by PATRIZIA, a global real assets manager with funds under management of approximately €57 billion. PATRIZIA has a 40-year investment track record, 28 global offices, and over 1,000 investment specialists. 

sei.com.au

patrizia.ag

About AC Energy: 

ACEnergy is an Australian greenfield renewable energy developer that has delivered 1.1GW of solar and BESS projects across both distribution and transmission networks in the NEM. The in-house team specialises in site selection, development applications, engineering design, grid studies, connection applications, and community engagement. 

acenergy.com.au

About ACLE Services: 

ACLE is a turnkey solution provider for the deployment of utility scale PV solar and battery storage in Australia. ACLE has extensive expertise in engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of large-scale projects. 

acle.com.au