Renewable energy developer ACEnergy has received its 5.3.4A notification for the 250MW Joel Joel battery energy storage system (BESS) in Victoria, Australia. This project is situated approximately 23 km east of Stawell in the Wimmera region, known for its proximity to the Grampians National Park. Last year, the project was selected as one of the first BESS projects to be expedited through Victoria’s new Development Facilitation Program.
ACEnergy has stated that the BESS will deliver crucial grid services, including frequency regulation and peak load management, ensuring a stable electricity supply for the state. This will be achieved through the integration of grid-forming inverters. It is important to note that the project’s capacity has been revised from an initial 350MW/700MWh to 250MW/1,000MWh.
Joel Prata, ACEnergy’s head of grid, emphasized that receiving the 5.3.4A notification marks a significant step towards connecting the project to the National Electricity Market (NEM). He added, “The Joel Joel BESS project is an exciting endeavor that supports the government’s goal of transitioning to 95% renewable energy by 2035. Collaborating with all key stakeholders, particularly the local community, is essential for the project’s success.”
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued the notification, granting the developer approval for the Generator Performance Standard (GPS). Tom Best, COO of Eku Energy, which develops, owns, and operates BESS projects, noted that the process for developers in Australia to connect to the transmission grid and engage with the NEM’s Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) and energy trading markets is exceedingly rigorous. Even after obtaining the 5.3.4A notification, ACEnergy must ensure that any changes made during construction, such as design modifications or cabling alterations that may affect electrical characteristics, are documented through a procedure known as R1. This process verifies that the project meets or exceeds the performance standards mandated by AEMO and the network service providers. Failure to meet these standards could result in the revocation of the GPS.
ACEnergy joins a growing list of BESS developers that have received their 5.3.4A notifications, following a series of announcements in May 2025. For instance, Elements Green obtained notification for a 1.3GWh solar-plus-storage facility in Queensland, while Elgin Energy received a notification for a 150MW solar-plus-storage project in Victoria.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/acenergy-secures-5-3-4a-notification-for-250mw-battery-energy-storage-system-in-victoria-australia/
