Kerang Energy Storage Project
Increasing energy reliability for Communities in Victoria
The Kerang Energy Storage Project (BESS) will better meet local capacity needs, and increase grid stability.
About this project
British Solar Renewables is seeking planning approval for up to two new large‑scale Battery Energy Storage Systems at Kerang, which will be located alongside the existing solar facility. The first stage is set to deliver up to 230MW with four hours of storage, with the option for a second stage of up to 400MW storage.
The project will support renewable energy generation and grid stability in the national electricity market by providing on-demand electricity – initially supplying affordable energy to as many as 300,000 homes for up to four hours.
The project will create up to 150 jobs during construction and up to five ongoing positions during operation.
See how our project timeline progresses and what we do
Timeline
Identify & survey
Finding suitable land and grid connections.
Engage & tailor
Working with local authorities, parish councils, and communities to shape proposals responsibly.
Approvals & construct
Securing planning permission and delivering projects to the highest standards.
Operate & steward
Long-term management, biodiversity initiatives, and a “leave no trace” approach.
Community Engagement
BSR Australia commenced community engagement to support the development and design of the project in July 2025. We engaged extensively with landowners, neighbours, community members, businesses, Gannawarra Shire Council, Traditional Owners, First Nations peoples, statutory authorities, community and health support services and other stakeholders.
This engagement supported the development of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA). The SIA was finalised in April 2026 and was used to determine project design and prepare the Community Benefit Agreement (CBA).
The CBA, which includes shared benefits for Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples, was negotiated as part of the SIA consultation process and agreed to in April 2026. The CBA will support regional socio-economic development efforts that are focussed on building community capacity and resilience as well as providing other opportunities for the region for decades to come.
Providing employment and supply opportunities
We have developed a Local Participation Plan in accordance with the VicGrid Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines which will provide numerous local employment and supply opportunities.
Stage one of KESP is expected to begin in 2028, employing up to 150 construction workers over approximately 14 months. Stage two is expected to begin in 2030 and require a similar workforce. BSR will employ a further two people to work in the operational phase of each stage in an ongoing full-time capacity.
We are committed to offering at least 70% of the construction roles locally and it will be a requirement to live locally in order to be appointed to the operational roles.
We have also committed to ensuring a minimum of ten roles are offered to trainees, apprentices and long-term unemployed persons returning to the workforce as part of the Major Projects Skills Guarantee.
Our approach is to build a renewable energy workforce in Kerang and surrounding areas and our initiatives include:
- Collaborating with secondary, vocational and tertiary education providers
- Sharing information on career pathways and requirements
- Supporting job-readiness and employment of priority and disadvantaged jobseekers
- Planning and recruiting for inclusive workforces, including Traditional Owners and First Nations people’s employment
- Providing scholarships and work experience for vocational and tertiary education students.
In addition, we will engage with local businesses regarding procurement opportunities as the project progresses.
Planning Permit Application and Public Exhibition Period
BSR Australia lodged a Planning Permit Application in August 2026 to the Victorian Minister for Planning and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) seeking approval for the project. As part of the process the application will be on public exhibition for community comment. This engagement will give the community further opportunity to directly influence the project design and delivery. We will advertise the formal exhibition period extensively once DTP advises we can proceed to exhibition. In addition to exhibiting the planning documents, we will host further community information sessions and workshops to support the community to provide comment on the project design and delivery.
We will continue to engage with the community through this planning approval phase and welcome your comments feedback at any time.
Biodiversity, cultural heritage and nature protection
With a commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment, we’re proud to introduce a renewable energy initiative that benefits future generations.
Through every step of our projects, we’re guided by strong environmental management practices to protect the region’s natural beauty.
We are committed to working in partnership with First Nations people to ensure cultural heritage is respectfully protected, concerns are heard, and meaningful opportunities to work together are created throughout the life of the project
Register for project updates
To receive regular updates about the Kerang Energy Storage Project, register your contact information through the form below.