Powering the future: battery energy storage systems for a greener tomorrow

Vicinity Centres and Enel X are proud to announce the successful launch of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at Vicinity's Lake Haven Centre¹, NSW, and Broadmeadows Central¹, VIC. The innovative joint venture highlights a commitment to sustainability and energy resilience.

Under the partnership, Vicinity managed the engineering and construction contracting of the battery systems, while Enel X took charge of system maintenance, operation, and ongoing optimisation of the batteries to support the electricity grid and generate value from energy markets.

The batteries are now operational and fully integrated within energy markets and operated by Enel X via its market-leading Virtual Power Plant (VPP)², maximising green energy production and enhancing energy resilience for customers by mitigating high energy costs and the risk of blackouts.

Jason Temby, Vicinity’s Head of Energy & Product Delivery, said, “It’s been a collaborative effort with Enel X to see the construction and enablement of the batteries in the energy markets. The project underscores our commitment to energy resilience, energy efficiency, and exceptional customer experience, and delivers on Vicinity's strategic pillar of Property Excellence.

“At Lake Haven Centre, we’ve seen the battery contribute to grid resilience during an emergency grid event in NSW late last year, showcasing the critical role of energy storage during extreme circumstances. On 27 November 2024 during a heatwave-driven supply shortfall, the batteries were drawn upon to respond to extremely high price signals in the wholesale electricity market. This helped alleviate supply-demand pressure, supporting grid stability and preventing scheduled blackouts.

“The successful implementation of these batteries not only aligns with our Integrated Energy Strategy but also enhances the customer experience for our tenants,” Temby added. “By reducing overall electricity costs and improving energy resilience, we’re taking meaningful steps toward sustainability while supporting our communities.”

The benefits extend beyond operational efficiency, ensuring a reliable environment for shoppers and tenants, especially during peak demand or emergencies. This pilot project showcases the potential of energy storage to support green energy use and provide economic value to the community.

Carl Hutchinson, Country Manager at Enel X, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re excited about the next steps in our collaboration with Vicinity. With the successful deployment of these batteries, we’ve identified additional centres suitable for future projects, paving the way for a sustainable energy future that benefits both businesses and communities.”

This partnership between Vicinity Centres and Enel X represents a significant advancement in sustainable energy solutions, leveraging innovative battery storage technology to enhance energy resilience and efficiency. This initiative not only benefits the centres but also promotes a more sustainable energy future for all stakeholders involved.

1. Battery capacity at Lake Haven Centre, NSW is 1.3 MW/2.5 MWh and at Broadmeadows Central, VIC it is 1.1 MW/2.3 MWh.

2. A VPP is a technology platform that orchestrates demand-side assets (BESS, generators, equipment), and offers this as a single resource to support the electricity grid.