Frequently Asked Questions

  • A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a large scale energy storage facility that stores energy for use at a later time. BESS can help:

    -          Store excess renewable energy (e.g. from solar or wind).

    -          Improve grid stability and reliability.

    -          Help balance supply and demand on the grid.

    -          Reduce energy costs and support cleaner energy supply

    -          Help avoid blackouts by quickly responding to sudden drops in supply

    -          Respond quickly during peak demand or outages

    When there is more electricity being produced than needed (for example, on a sunny or windy day), the battery stores that extra power. Later, when electricity demand is higher, the battery releases the stored energy back into the grid.

    A BESS comprises a number of "enclosures" or battery units (broadly resembling a shipping container), inverters, transformers and other electrical equipment. The site will also include access tracks, water tanks, site offices, amenities and screening.

    Located in close proximity to renewable and non-renewable generating projects, the Avenue Rd BESS is ideally suited.

    BESS is a key enabler of the transition to a renewable energy future.

  • Whilst noise levels omitted are low, the BESS will generate some noise. The project must comply with local and State Government noise guidelines and will undergo environmental noise assessments. Other mitigations include noise walls where needed and locating of the BESS away from nearby private dwellings.

  • The location of the BESS is on existing cleared land parcel, and no vegetation clearing will be required for the BESS. A small portion of vegetation will require clearing for the connecting transmission line, however the project is taking specific measures to minimise this, including choosing an underground route which requires less vegetation impacts.

  • BESS systems include advanced fire suppression, thermal monitoring, and isolation systems. Fire risk is very low and comparable to other electrical infrastructure. Systems are enclosed in weather-resistant, fire-rated containers with built-in temperature control, and located according to rigorous bushfire and flood risk assessments

    The BESS is located in the centre of a cleared paddock away from any significant vegetation with a managed fire break to be installed

  • Construction typically takes 18-24 months, starting from 2027 onward. All work occurs during daytime hours, and traffic or noise impacts will be minimised and communicated in advance.

  • Typically, 20 years, which can be extended with maintenance and replacement of some components of the facility. After this period, systems can be upgraded or decommissioned, and materials can be recycled where possible.

  • Construction of the BESS will create employment opportunities for local trades and suppliers. Once operational, a small number of ongoing roles will be required for site maintenance, security, and monitoring. The project also creates indirect economic benefits for nearby communities.

  • No. The BESS is located on private property and will not be visible to surrounding properties or public areas. A full assessment of this has been completed by specialised visual consultants.

  • Battery systems are designed with recycling in mind. At end-of-life, components can be safely dismantled and recycled. Developers are required to follow environmental regulations around disposal, and many partner with certified battery recycling programs.

    Once the BESS has come to the end of its life, the project will be decommissioned and removed. This will include:

    ·          Removal of all above-ground equipment

    ·          Removal of any underground equipment buried at a depth shallower than 0.5 meters;

    ·          Rehabilitation of disturbed land; and

    ·          Ensuring the site is contaminant free

  • A dedicated connecting high voltage transmission line will connect the BESS to the existing Orana substation. The transmission will likely be buried to minimise disturbance and impacts during construction.

  • Once constructed, the Avenue Road BESS will   cover up to approximately 15ha of land. This includes land for the BESS unties, electrical infrastructure and Operation & Maintenance facilities. The battery cubicles are normally around 2.5 meters tall.  In the context of the wider property size, this represents less than 2.5% of the property area.

  • The site was identified as a good location to host a BESS for the following reasons.

    -          Proximity to the existing Orana Sub Station

    -          Existing, cleared land with limited agricultural opportunities

    -          Flat land outside of flooding risk

    -          Away from nearby dwellings

    -          Well positioned within a part of the network that already hosts existing solar generation, gas and future wind generation.