Project scope
Planned addition of a 150MW / 300MWh battery energy storage system. The article distinguishes this expansion from the existing Hazelwood BESS, reported as 150MW / 150MWh and operating since 2023.
Reported status and procurement
- Reported development
- Not established
- Procurement availability
- Unknown / not established
Reported financing
ENGIE announced that the project had reached financial close.
A source report alone does not establish current progress or an open buying window.
Project summary
Hazelwood Battery Energy Storage System expansion (HBESS 2) is the planned 150 MW / 300 MWh addition at the former Hazelwood Power Station site in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. ENGIE distinguishes it from the existing Hazelwood BESS, reported as 150 MW / 150 MWh and operating since 2023; the Victorian Government release also reports that the existing battery was commissioned in 2023. (ENGIE announcement dated 16 October 2026; Victorian Government release published Friday 16 October 2026.)
ENGIE announced financial close on 16 October 2026 and reported that key contracts had been executed. It names Sungrow to supply battery technology and Elecnor to deliver balance-of-plant and associated infrastructure works. ENGIE planned construction to commence later in 2026 and targeted commercial operations from 2028; the government release separately expected project completion in 2028. These are plans and expectations, not reports of achieved construction or completion. (ENGIE announcement dated 16 October 2026; Victorian Government release published Friday 16 October 2026.)
The Victorian Government release reports that Hazelwood BESS Line Co Pty Ltd was declared a Declared Transmission System Operator, allowing the project to use existing transmission infrastructure. It also describes intended use of existing electricity connections and infrastructure; this does not confirm that the expansion’s grid connection is complete. The release describes a step towards financial close, while ENGIE reports that financial close was reached. The supplied reports do not establish a subsequent reversal. (Victorian Government release published Friday 16 October 2026; ENGIE announcement dated 16 October 2026.)
Evidence limits and unknowns
The supplied announcements do not establish current construction progress, a completed grid connection or energisation, or the declaration instrument’s effective date and conditions. (ENGIE announcement dated 16 October 2026; Victorian Government release published Friday 16 October 2026.)
The supplied material does not identify project ownership, any remaining unawarded supplier package, a procurement timetable or an open buying window. ENGIE reports key contracts executed; that does not establish whether any procurement remains available. (ENGIE announcement dated 16 October 2026; Victorian Government release published Friday 16 October 2026.)
