Narrogin BESS project will be a collection of battery modules commonly based on lithium-ion technology, as seen in common household items such as smartphones and laptop batteries. Battery modules contain individual low-voltage battery cells arranged in racks within enclosures creating the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The battery cells store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and are connected to achieve the desired power and capacity.

Like a typical battery that needs charging and then followed by discharging for power consumption, BESS also needs to charge its energy from the grid, typically during peak production such as at mid-day when there is plenty of solar energy entering the grid. When the demand for electricity rises, BESS will discharge its stored energy and export the electricity back to the grid.

A typical BESS system will consist of:

• Battery containers: which house the battery racks, as well as other system components such as battery management system (BMS), cooling system, and fire suppression system.
• Power conversion system (PCS): which are electrical conversion units that convert between DC and AC electricity between the battery (DC) and the grid (AC).
• Transformer station: convert high voltage on the grid to the medium voltage for the PCS.

The transition to clean energy will require more renewable energy generation such as wind and solar to replace the ageing coal-fired power stations. Given the variability of renewable resources, BESS will play a major role in helping ensure a continuous supply of energy in the grid. BESS will store excess energy generated such as during the daytime and release it during peak demand in the evening.

The 200 MW 4-hour stand-alone BESS enhances grid stability by providing a bi-directional power function, helping to smooth out power fluctuations. It helps manage peak load demands, reducing the need for expensive and carbon-intensive gas-peaking power plants, thereby lowering operational costs and environmental impact. As the electricity market is mainly driven by supply and demand, the increased energy availability in the market will help stabilize electricity prices. Additionally, BESS also helps improve grid stability by providing ancillary services such as frequency control support. With BESS, the grid can support more renewables towards meeting Australia’s clean energy goal.

Large-scale renewable energy and battery storage projects create long-term employment. As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest available release of Employment in Renewable Energy Activities, the annual direct full-time equivalent employment in renewable energy activities in Australia was estimated at 26,850 jobs in 2018-19. Not only are these new jobs crucial to communities, but their positive flow-on effect is also felt throughout the local supply chains. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, and Environmental and Water (DCCEEW) has released a new report on the state of energy storage growth for Australia, showing the battery industry could provide $16.9 billion per annum in economic benefits and support 61,400 local jobs by 2030.

South Energy believes that the Narrogin site is ideal for a BESS project for the following reasons:

• Excellent access to the grid through the adjacent Narrogin South 220kV Substation.
• The land is flat and is mostly cleared.
• It is highly accessible through transport connections to the Narrogin Valley Road and Mellons Road.
• There is enough land for future stages to serve the increasing demand for energy storage.

Spanning an area of approximately 25 hectares, the first stage of the grid-scale BESS will occupy around 5 ha have an estimated network capacity of 200 megawatts (MW), and 800 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage capacity. The Narrogin BESS project on a 4-hour discharge cycle is expected to discharge enough energy to power the equivalent of approximately 70,000 households.

Electricity from the Narrogin BESS project will be supplied to and from the high voltage 220 kV transmission network. These larger networks function like freeways on road networks, allowing large amounts of power to flow long distances with minimum loss.

Some electricity will exit along the way and step down to a lower voltage network (132kV or 66kV) before feeding into distribution networks (33kV and below) that transfer electricity to individual energy users such as households, businesses, and industries. These smaller distribution networks are like local streets in road networks.

The electricity from the Narrogin BESS project will flow into the Narrogin South Substation at 220kV level. From there, it will go to where the demand is greatest first. Typically, some will be flowing through the 220kV/66kV transformer at the substation, and flow into the 66kV network serving the local area.

Construction is targeted to commence in late 2025 with completion approximately 12 to 18 months later.

Any work would take place within permitted working hours. Should work need to be done outside normal days or hours, we will discuss it with the Shire of Narrogin and follow the guidelines from the relevant authorities including the Water and Environment Protection Authority of Western Australia.

During construction, the following measures will be undertaken to minimise noise and vibration:

• No scheduled project construction, maintenance and decommissioning activities to occur during nighttime, Sundays or public holidays unless prior approval has been granted by the relevant regulatory body;
• Shut off / throttle down any vehicles or equipment not in use; and
• Where reasonably practicable, utilize the latest noise reduction equipment and technology.

During construction, the following measures will be undertaken to minimise dust generation:

• Minimize ground disturbance, soil movement and other dust-producing activities;
• Utilize water or wetting agent on exposed soil, including unpaved roads and lay-down areas;
• Utilize windbreaks and silt fencing; and
• Undertake flexible management of speed limits considering the prevailing road and wind conditions.

A traffic impact assessment has been undertaken and will be submitted to the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) for review and Shire of Narrogin for consultation to approve as part of the Planning Approval process. This will guide any traffic management plan that might be required later. South Energy will ensure that all management plans are followed and that due consideration will be given to road users, stakeholders, and the community.

Narrogin BESS will have regular operation & maintenance checks to be conducted half-yearly/annually/quarterly. These checks will be performed by both the project site’s operation & maintenance team as well as the system manufacturer’s specialists, to ensure that all components are operating optimally.

As well as regular maintenance, any weeds or pest animals found around the battery project components will be controlled regularly. This will be done per an approved monitoring plan.

Perimeter security fencing, CCTV security cameras, all-weather access tracks, fire breaks, regular site inspections and ongoing maintenance checks will ensure the safe operation of the BESS project. The site manager’s contact details will also be made available to the public for any feedback or questions about the project.

The BESS project would be bordered by an approximately 2m high chain mesh steel fence. Floodlighting would not be required to be on all night. However, motion sensor CCTV cameras would be installed along the fence line and lighting may come on when triggered. The cameras would only monitor the boundary fence and areas within the BESS project, ensuring the privacy of neighbouring properties.

Like any equipment, there will be noise from the BESS components, mainly from the cooling systems such as fans. South Energy has engaged a reputable tier-one international consultant with proven expertise in developing and designing battery and renewable energy projects to conduct noise assessments. South Energy, the consultant and BESS project’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will work together to assess the noise level and place the mitigations required to manage the noise level following the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

The components will be sent for reuse or recycling as appropriate. For example, the battery cells are expected to be sent to a recycling facility where the chemicals are extracted and repurposed. Steel and metal parts will be recycled for further use in other projects. Concrete will be removed, and the land will be reinstated and made available for agricultural use or other suitable use according to the need at that time.

The lifecycle of the Narrogin BESS project is 15 to 20 years, at which time South Energy would either upgrade and replace the relevant BESS components and keep going for another 15 to 20 years, or reinstate the original use of the land.

The project will play a crucial role in enhancing WA grid stability and reliability, allowing more renewable energy integration, load flow balancing, and peak load management which will ultimately support lower electricity prices. In addition, South Energy is committed to providing support to the local community via a benefit-sharing program that helps the community build a clean and sustainable future.

The project will positively impact local employment, through the provision of approximately 150 direct and indirect jobs during the 12-18 months construction phase, and about 2-3 permanent jobs and additional contract jobs once in operation. The employment benefits extend through the local supply chain to mechanics, cleaners, plant nurseries, accommodation providers, caterers, tools and equipment suppliers and a range of other businesses.

South Energy understands the importance of fire risk management and will always put the public’s safety first. The design for the Narrogin BESS project will be consistent with Country Fire Authority guidelines in consultation with local authorities as applicable, with a firebreak (which also acts as an access track) built within the BESS project and along its boundary. South Energy will work with consultants and relevant authorities to conduct the bushfire management plan, risk management plan and emergency plan.

BESS project footprint consists of the battery storage zone, substation and control building zone, and operation and maintenance zone, which will be constructed over an area of around 5 ha.

BESS components are contained in modular cells which in turn are containerized. They will be installed on concrete pads or footings that are similar to those used for substations or even residential dwellings. Underground cabling will be installed by trenching and backfilling the ground. During decommissioning, the cables will be unearthed and recycled.

A preliminary surface water study is undertaken as part of the project’s feasibility study. The results showed that surface water traversing the site is generally slow, shallow and wide-spreading. Any risk identified in subsequent studies will be taken into account in the project design to eliminate and mitigate any negative impact due to the proposed BESS structures.

Structures within the BESS project is easily installed and do not affect groundwater. A hydrology assessment will be conducted, and the findings will be reflected in the designs to manage water routes and avoid any impact on or from the BESS project.

Any weeds found around the BESS project’s components would be controlled regularly. Narrogin BESS project would employ vegetation management personnel from time to time to monitor and control the weeds as part of the operation and maintenance protocols. Where practical, sheep grazing at the site and around the non-construction area may be utilised as an effective and environmentally friendly way to control weed growth.

The first stage of the project will cover about 20% of the site area. The remaining will continue to support agricultural activities, considering the future expansion plans.

Narrogin BESS project is located on land that has already been largely cleared for farming purposes in the past. South Energy plans to retain most of the remaining native vegetation which will be put in protected zones. South Energy expects no vegetation removal except weeds and brushes over the construction areas and if needed few trees at the boundary of the site, which would be required to allow access for construction vehicles. Thus, there will be no impact on any listed species. South Energy has engaged an accredited ecologist to ensure the protection of areas of ecological significance during both the construction and operation of the BESS project.

An existing landscape buffer will be maintained along the project boundary to protect the area’s visual amenity. If deemed required, future landscaping would include a mix of indigenous shrubs and trees of varied heights and will have the added benefit of creating important new habitats for native fauna, thus supporting the region’s biodiversity.

The BESS project will be set back from the site’s border. This includes the existing and future landscape buffering and a firebreak, which is also used as an internal access track.

South Energy is an Australian-owned, Melbourne-based renewable energy company that specializes in the development of renewable energy projects.

South Energy has a portfolio of renewable energy development across Western Australia and Victoria. These include:

Western Australia:

• Narrogin BESS Project, 200 MW/800 MWh
• Benger Solar Farm, 100 MW
• Waroona Solar Farm, 200 MW

Victoria:

• Yangery BESS Project, 120 MW/480 MWh
• Campbells Forest Solar Farm, 200 MW
• Goorambat Solar Farm, 75 MW
• Kennedys Creek Solar Farm, 145 MW
• West Mokoan Solar Farm, 190 MW
• Frasers Solar Farm, 77 MW

South Energy believes that clean and sustainable energy is the best solution for mitigating the risk of climate change. Our mission is to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including government and the community, to ensure a greener future for the next generation of Australians.

South Energy will work with the community in the best practice of communication and coordination. To manage communications and stakeholder engagement, Tarek Osman is available at (03) 8842 6888 and via narrogin@southenergy.com.au, should you wish to discuss the project in more detail.