Overview
The proposed Tragowel BESS Project is at the early stages of planning and design iterations. The proposed project is being developed by Potentia Energy, with support from Green Swith Australia and appointed specialist consultants. Technical development assessments required in preparation to lodge a Planning Application are currently underway. The consent authority for the proposed project is the Victorian Government Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, the proposed Tragowel BESS project would comprise of a 200 MW / 800 MWh utility-scale battery energy storage project, located approximately 7 kilometres south of Kerang, within the Shire of Gannawarra. Sited close to the Kerang Terminal Station, this strategic location ensures strong connectivity to the local electricity grid, making it a crucial infrastructure project for the region. Construction of the proposed project is targeted to commence in 2027, with operations due to begin in 2029.
Key Project
Details
Status
Under Development
Technology: BESS
Location
7km south of Kerang, Victoria
200MW / 800MWh
Project Capability
Project Approvals
Potentia Energy completed the technical development assessments required in preparation to lodge the Planning Application. The consent authority for the proposed project is the Victoria Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
The development is eligible for approval through DTP’s Development Facilitation Program (DFP), which is an accelerated assessment pathway for eligible projects designed to inject investment into the Victorian economy, support employment, and create housing.
As part of the assessment process, DTP will place the application on public exhibition in the coming weeks. This is the formal process through which the local community is invited to review the proposal and provide feedback directly to DTP.
Potentia Energy will publish on this web page the dates for the public exhibition and link for making a submission, as soon as they are released by DTP.
Following consideration of relevant assessments and completion of the exhibition period, the Minister for Planning may make a determination on the application.
Project Timeline
2025
Prepared Planning Application
Potentia Energy prepared a series of technical assessments such as bushfire, ecology, acoustic, hydrology, traffic, visual impact and culture heritage to accompany the planning application. These outlined any potential impacts of the site and recommended ways to manage or mitigate those impacts.
The outcomes of these assessments provided directions for Potentia Energy to ensure the Tragowel BESS is safe and any potential impacts are minimised.
2026
Lodgement of the Planning Application
Potentia Energy lodged the planning application with DTP in May 2026. DTP will notify the local community when the planning application is on “public exhibition” and will formally invite stakeholders and the wider community to provide feedback on their planning portal.
2026
Determination
Potentia Energy is expecting a determination within six to nine months of lodging the application with DTP.
After a decision is made, Potentia Energy will continue progressing the project through the remaining development and approvals process prior to commencing construction.
2027
Targeted commencement of construction
Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, Potentia Energy is targeting commencement of construction at the Tragowel BESS site in 2027. Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months.
2029
Targeted commencement of operations
Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, targeted completion of construction and commencement of operations for the Tragowel BESS project is expected in 2029.
Community Engagement
Cogency Australia has been engaged to undertake the planning and stakeholder engagement during the early stages of the project development. Potentia Energy will continue to engage with project stakeholders during all phases of project life cycle.
As part of our approach to community engagement for the project, we are seeking feedback from the community, to better understand local values and priorities and inform planning for potential initiatives to be undertaken within the local area close to the Tragowel BESS site.
The survey results will inform local community benefit sharing initiatives, where feasible and aligned with Potentia Energy’s values, policies and capabilities.
We appreciate local community members time completing the survey. If you would like to discuss your feedback in further detail, please contact us.
Next Steps
The planning application has been lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
As part of the assessment process, DTP will place the application on public exhibition. This is the formal process through which the local community is invited to review the proposal and provide feedback directly to DTP. Exhibition typically includes notification to affected properties by mail and publication of a notice in a newspaper selected by the Minister for Planning, usually across two consecutive issues. The exhibition period is generally a minimum of 14 days.
Following consideration of relevant assessments and completion of the exhibition period, the Minister for Planning may make a determination on the application.
Potentia Energy will continue to keep the community informed about the timing of the exhibition period, noting that exact dates are set by the Minister for Planning. A determination is anticipated within six to nine months of the application being lodged with DTP.
Project Resources
Project Enquiries and Complaints
To submit an enquiry about the project, please fill out the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page.
To submit a complaint relating to the project, please use the link here or click the ‘SUBMIT A COMPLAINT’ button below.
During the development phase, Potentia Energy will share any complaints with Cogency who are coordinating consultation and engagement.
Additional information about the complaint process can be found in the guidelines here, and the Complaint Handling Procedure is available under Project Resources.
Contact Us
Project Contact
Cogency Australia
Appointed specialist community engagement consultant
[email protected]
Email Us