Apsley BESS
This project is a standalone Battery Energy Storage System- or BESS for short. The project is located approx. 60 km south of Dubbo Township and approx. 11 km south of Wellington Township in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. The towns host a combined estimated resident population of 47,000. Boasting 120MW and 264MWh this large-scale transmission BESS is another crucial step in our transition to a renewable future.
Project Overview
- Capacity: 120MW
- Land Size: 6 hectares
- Network Operator: Transgrid
- Renewable Energy Zone: Central-West Orana
The BESS, as required, uses smart inverter technology and can provide ancillary network support services proving key to improving grid reliability in Central-West New South Wales. Furthermore, the BESS will alleviate network congestion and reduce curtailment of solar generators in the area.
As part of our development strategy, we are committed to ongoing community engagement throughout the project lifecycle. We are currently open to submissions of interest for sponsorship from community groups in the region. The areas of interest are:
- Local recreational activities;
- Local educational groups;
- Local agricultural community groups;
- Other local community groups.
Development Timeline
- Land secured: 2021
Our land acquisition team commenced negotiations with local landowners back in mid-2021 and secured land agreements later in the year.
- DA Approved 2022
The State Significant Development Application process commenced in January 2021 when a Scoping Report was submitted to the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). After receiving Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements, an Environmental Impact Statement was prepared and submitted in August 2022. After the exhibition period and subsequent Response to Submissions, an assessment was carried out by DPE which led to Development Approval in June 2023.
- CA Approval estimated by 2023
Currently under development, the Apsley BESS is proposing to connect to an existing 132kV transmission line via a dedicated on-site switching station. Our connection team is actively working through the Chapter 5 connection process with TransGrid and other relevant stakeholders with an expectation to receive connection approval in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- Financial Close estimated by Q1 2024
- Construction & Commissioning estimated by 2024
It is anticipated that Apsley BESS will open local employment opportunities to approx. 50 construction roles throughout the construction process with another 5 roles anticipated for Operation and Maintenance.
More information about Apsley BESS can be found here.