Origin Energy invests $400M in battery at Mortlake Power Station

Origin Energy has given the go signal for the development of a significant large-scale battery at the Mortlake Power Station in southwest Victoria, flagging a speculation responsibility of roughly $400 million.

Contracts have previously been signed with global energy storage frameworks supplier Fluence, and arrangements for site development and civil works are booked to begin in the coming months.

“The Mortlake battery is another significant step in our ambition to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions,” said Origin CEO, Frank Calabria.

Large-scale batteries and other storage technologies will play a crucial role in Australia’s ongoing energy transition, Calabria outlined Origin’s broader strategy to accelerate the integration of renewable energy and storage solutions into its portfolio.

The company’s decision last year to approve its first large-scale battery project at Eraring, which is currently in the construction phase, is closely followed by this announcement.

Given the proliferation of wind and solar farms, particularly in Victoria’s South West Sustainable Energy Zone, the Mortlake battery is ready to add to network strength and back the influx of sustainable power into the framework in the midst of progressing decarbonisation endeavours.

The Mortlake Power Station, right now the biggest gas-fired power station in Victoria with an age limit of 566 MW, works as a topping power station filled with gas from the Otway Basin.