More than one million Australian households will be powered by one of the world’s largest battery systems after the government approved a new renewable energy hub.

The battery will be located in Melbourne suburb of Plumpton, where it will store wind, hydro and solar energy from regional Victoria.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says the project will help Australia cut emissions to reach net-zero by 2050.

“Projects like this will help us transform our energy system and build it for the future,” she said on Tuesday.

“This is what action on climate change looks like – cutting emissions, investing in renewables, and better protecting our environment.”

The Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub will create up to 365 jobs during its construction and provide 30 more ongoing positions.

An assessment was undertaken to ensure the project had minimal impact on the local environment.

The hub will house the largest battery system in Asia and one of the largest in the world.

 

Kat Wong
(Australian Associated Press)