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 from Tuesday 28 July until Tuesday 25 August 2026. This is the formal process through which the local community is invited to review the proposal and provide feedback directly to DTP.
To view the project details and planning documents, and to make a submission, please visit the DTP planning portal for the Tragowel BESS Project.
Following consideration of relevant assessments and completion of the exhibition period, the Minister for Planning may make a determination on the application.
Public Liability
Potentia Energy will follow the VicGrid Community Engagement and Social Values Guidelines to help protect host and neighbouring landowners from unreasonable costs or claims if accidental damage occurs to the project or related infrastructure.
Potentia Energy will follow VicGrid’s recommended approach to indemnity, which is designed to ensure landowners are not unfairly held responsible for damage to renewable energy or transmission infrastructure.
For more information, please visit the VicGrid website.
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.
The Tragowel BESS Project is currently on public exhibition from Tuesday 28 July to Tuesday 4 August 2026. To view the planning documents and make a submission, please use the DTP planning portal. The portal link is available in the 'Project Approvals' section.
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 the project life cycle.
Throughout engagement, the feedback received has helped shape the proposal. For more information, you can view the Summary of Community Engagement.
Next Steps
Following public exhibition and consideration of relevant assessments and submissions, 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