A new large-scale battery storage system near Armidale is a step closer to supplying clean energy to 60,000 homes after the New South Wales Government gives the green light to its development.
The $209 million project is the latest in the State’s growing network of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which are critical to support the transition to clean energy as retirement of coal-fired power stations draw near.
The Armidale BESS will store excess energy from the electricity grid during non-peak periods with its 150MW / 437MWh capacity, and then quickly ramp up supplying households with power as needed during the busy morning and evening times.
Planning approval for this project includes the condition that developer Valent Energy Developments will provide the Armidale Regional Council a lump sum of $1.275 million through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) and a further $1.275 million over the life of the project.
Renewable energy developer VPAs with regional councils typically fund community halls, sporting facilities, libraries, parks and playgrounds.
Moreover, Valent Energy Developments has also committed to annual contributions totalling $400,000 for the upkeep and enhancement of the New England Rail Train over two decades.
“Large-scale batteries are key to a stronger, more reliable energy network.
“This is a major capital investment, creating jobs and providing Armidale Regional Council more than $2.5 million to invest in local community projects over the next 20 years.
“Over the next decade regional councils will receive hundreds of millions of dollars to spend on their communities following the Minns Labor Government’s introduction of community benefit sharing requirements for renewable energy projects.
“The approval of the Armidale large-scale battery adds to a long list of approved clean energy projects that will power our renewable energy future,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said.
The Armidale BESS is going to be built about 5 kilometres east of Armidale and it will be connected to the Armidale 330kV transmission substation nearby.
The project site consists of private freehold land, of which about 2.1 hectares will be used for the BESS units and an additional 0.5 hectare will be used to house operational and maintenance equipment.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure considers the project to be designed to avoid as well as minimise environmental, noise and visual impacts while addressing potential fire safety and road safety issues.
Under the Minns Government, about 40 renewable projects have been approved, including 17 large-scale batteries.
“Not only will this project strengthen our energy network, it will deliver real and lasting benefits for the community, supporting local jobs, funding local facilities, and investing in projects people here rely on every day.
“The contributions secured for community infrastructure and the New England Rail Trail show how renewable energy projects can deliver more than clean power, they can deliver for communities,” Northern Tablelands Duty MLC Peter Primrose said.
Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Armidale BESS; Renew Economy; Renewables Now