Who is Progress Power?

Progress Power applies innovative thinking to advancing Australia’s renewable energy targets. Driven to create a reliable and clean future, our aim is to contribute to the path toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

What is the Springvale Energy Hub?

The Springvale Energy Hub combines energy storage, solar and emerging technology in one metropolitan location. It’s a multi-stage development on 47 hectares in the south-east Melbourne suburb of Springvale South between Clarke and Westall roads. The hub will be Australia’s first large scale energy storage facility built on an urban landfill.

Why is the Springvale Energy Hub unique?

Progress Power and its specialist team have engineered a custom landfill cap, allowing a range of land use options and setting a new industry standard. It has turned an environmental liability into a valuable community asset.

What are the benefits of a renewable energy facility in a metropolitan area?

Most metropolitan homes rely on energy transmitted over long distances from regional areas. By maintaining a local battery energy storage system (BESS), residents are less dependent on infrastructure such as transmission lines. Grid connection is in close proximity to major load centres.

What is a BESS, and how does it work at the Springvale Energy Hub?

A BESS stores electricity drawn from the grid, typically when energy generation is high. Across Victoria, solar and wind energy is generated at a greater rate than required during certain periods of the day or night. This often leads to an excess of energy produced at off-peak times. A BESS captures this excess in renewable energy and releases it back into the grid when demand rises, helping to stabilise the system, reduce fossil-fuel use and support a cleaner more efficient energy network. The Springvale Energy Hub benefits from a nearby grid connection, ensuring stable energy can be easily stored and supplied.  

What technology will the BESS use and what are the risks?

The BESS uses well-established battery technology similar to the systems commonly installed in homes. When designed, installed and maintained in line with Australian standards, large-scale batteries operate safely and have no identified health risks.

What stage is the Springvale Energy Hub at?

Progress Power is currently in the approvals phase for the Springvale Energy Hub, with planning approval for Stage 1 and 2 expected in 2026. Detailed design for Stage 1, 2 and 3 is underway, and Stages 1 and 2 will be delivered together to fast-track benefits. Planning for Stage 4 is also underway, paving the way for future expansion.

What does Stage 1 involve?

Stage 1 involves constructing a 115 MW / 230 MWh two-hour BESS to power hundreds of thousands of homes, with operations planned for 2029.

What does Stage 2 involve?

Stage 2 involves constructing a 115 MW / 460 MWh BESS that will increase the capacity and duration of energy storage to more than four hours. This stage will require network upgrades.

What do Stage 3 and Future Stages involve?

Stages 3A and 3B will provide additional energy storage capacity. Future stages will incorporate a charging precinct for buses and commercial electric vehicles, as well as community infrastructure development.

What benefits does the Springvale Energy Hub bring to communities?

Progress Power will deliver a range of lasting community benefits and initiatives as part of the Springvale Energy Hub development. The community will co-design the initiatives, including a benefit fund which aims to target areas of need and influence positive outcomes.

Around $184 million will be injected into the Victorian economy and specialist jobs will be created. This includes 50 full and part-time jobs during design and construction, and seven ongoing jobs during operation. The skills required are specialised and job opportunities include civil works, concrete works, fencing and landscaping. Progress Power will aim to fill positions locally, where possible.

How will the Springvale Energy Hub development impact neighbours?

The Springvale Energy Hub’s location means the facility will not have direct contact with residential areas of Springvale. Given the location, Progress Power expects minimal traffic, noise and dust impacts and will work to reduce these as much as possible.

Why can’t trees be planted on the site?

Tree roots can spread considerably down into the ground as they chase water, opening pathways for water to get in and gas to get out. This interferes with landfill gas to energy extraction systems, undermining cap integrity and decreasing its environmental performance. For this reason, Environment Protection Authority (EPA) guidance for revegetation of old landfills requires trees and other plants with deep roots to be planted around the perimeter of the site, with grasses with shallow root depth used in the centre. 

Will residents lose their open space?

Residents will continue to have full access to all existing public open spaces. The Springvale Energy Hub site is a former landfill that has been closed to the public for many years, and its new use will not affect nearby parkland. The surrounding open spaces - Spring Valley Park, Effie Reserve on Spring Road, and Spring Road Reserve on Westall Road - will all remain open and accessible to the community.

What is the land currently used for?

The site is not in use. It was a sand extraction pit during the 1970s and then used for landfill until the mid 1990s.

Can a BESS be constructed on top of a landfill?

Yes. The landfill cap acts as a barrier to protect BESS infrastructure. Environmental monitoring throughout the project's life will ensure ongoing compliance with EPA requirements.

Are there environmental concerns?

The Springvale Energy Hub will be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with EPA guidelines and requirements. The EPA requires all former landfills to conduct a fully audited review of the site, with results reported annually. This will continue for the life of the site.

How will I be kept informed?

Regular updates will be provided on the Progress Power website as the project progresses. If you would like to stay informed, please email info@progresspower.com.au or subscribe below.