The Little River Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project will be located 14-kilometres north of Victoria’s Little River, near Lara and Geelong. It will provide a reliable and flexible storage solution, by charging at times of low demand, and releasing energy into the grid at times of high demand. Once operational, the project will be one of the state’s largest Battery Energy Storage Systems, with a capacity of 350 MW / 1,400 MWh. It will connect directly to existing 220kV network infrastructure, reducing the need for additional works and minimising the project’s footprint.
In September 2025, the Little River BESS was awarded under the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), recognising the role it will play in the renewable energy transition. Under the CIS, the project will prioritise local content and procurement opportunities, working with regional suppliers to ensure the investment delivers lasting economic benefits.
The project will also provide enduring community benefits, establishing a Community Benefit Fund to support initiatives such as scholarships, training programs, and STEM education pathways. ACEnergy is working with First Nations partners to develop employment pathways, subcontracting opportunities, and long-term benefit sharing options.
