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01

Bannaby Battery Energy Storage System

Join us in exploring BW ESS' proposal for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bannaby.

Situated at 365 Hanworth Road, Bannaby, NSW 2580, Australia, this advanced energy project will deliver 750MW/3GWh of storage capacity with supporting infrastructure, connecting directly to the Transgrid Bannaby substation. Through this website, you'll find comprehensive information about our plans and proposals as we move towards the Environmental Impact Statement and planning application.

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About Us

BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, moving with speed to deliver market-leading projects.

BW ESS has a strategy to own and operate our projects for the long-term, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle. As a long-term owner-operator, BW ESS maintains direct oversight of our sites throughout their operational lifetime. We use top-tier suppliers, and our fully warranted battery systems meet the latest safety and regulatory standards. For a full list of projects, please click here.

Part of BW Group, BW ESS is able to leverage a global industry network, as well as decades of experience in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation.

BW ESS has a strategy to own and operate our projects for the long-term, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle. As a long-term owner-operator, BW ESS maintains direct oversight of our sites throughout their operational lifetime. We use top-tier suppliers, and our fully warranted battery systems meet the latest safety and regulatory standards. For a full list of projects, please click here.

Part of BW Group, BW ESS is able to leverage a global industry network, as well as decades of experience in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation.

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Why BESS

Why choose Bannaby for battery storage

Balancing Supply and Demand

Our battery system bridges the gap between Australia's renewable generation zones and metropolitan demand centres, providing critical storage capacity where it's most needed. By capturing excess generation and delivering power during peak periods, we optimise the flow of electricity across the national network.

Enhancing Energy Security

Strategically positioned on Sydney's 500kV transmission ring, our facility strengthens the reliability of Australia's evolving power network. This advanced storage system provides critical support to major population centres while enabling greater integration of regional renewable energy resources.

Supporting Net Zero Ambitions

Recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as essential electrical infrastructure, battery storage plays a pivotal role in Australia's energy transformation. Our facility enables broader adoption of renewable generation across the network, supporting the nation's pathway to lower emissions and more affordable energy.

As a critical enabler of clean energy integration,  battery storage supports the transformation of Australia's power  infrastructure while ensuring reliable supply across the network.

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The Site

Detailed overview of the proposed site

Site location plan
Site Location Plan
Exeter site layout
Exeter Site Layout

Location

Positioned at a key power distribution point near the Transgrid Bannaby substation, our site encompasses 13 hectares within a broader 305-hectare pastoral property. Currently used for cattle and sheep grazing, this carefully selected location offers optimal grid connectivity while maintaining the surrounding agricultural activities. The site's proximity to existing power infrastructure ensures seamless integration with minimal environmental impact.

Landscaping

The site's pastoral setting offers natural advantages for infrastructure integration, with existing trees and vegetation to be preserved alongside continued agricultural use. Our landscape design incorporates strategic planting of additional native trees and vegetation to enhance natural screening, particularly along Hanworth Road viewpoints. These carefully selected plantings will harmonise with the local ecosystem while providing effective screening of the facility, with detailed improvements to be fully documented in our planning submission.

Accessibility

Site access will be provided via a new dedicated entrance from Hanworth Road, chosen to minimise impact on local traffic patterns. This location optimises accessibility to the Transgrid easement, facilitating efficient connection to the Bannaby Substation. The site's topography and proximity to existing infrastructure has been carefully considered in our access planning, ensuring minimal disruption during both construction and operational phases.

Operations

The facility operates through sophisticated remote monitoring systems, requiring only monthly maintenance visits. This automated approach ensures efficient operation while maintaining minimal local traffic impact, complementing the site's continued agricultural use. Operational activities are designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing pastoral functions of the broader property.

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Why baNnaby

Bannaby's Strategic Advantage

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Proximity

Direct connection to the Transgrid Bannaby substation (500kV/330kV) maximises operational efficiency while minimising network modifications. The site's immediate proximity to existing infrastructure and Transgrid easement enables rapid deployment of essential storage capacity to the grid.

Regional Needs

Strategically positioned between the South West Renewable Energy Zone and Sydney's metropolitan area, this location optimises power distribution across the network while strengthening grid resilience. The site's position on Sydney's 500kV transmission ring ensures efficient energy transfer between generation and consumption centres.

Environmental Compatibility

The 13-hectare facility, thoughtfully positioned within a 305-hectare pastoral property, demonstrates our commitment to balanced land use. The site's natural pastoral setting and established access routes create an ideal environment that complements existing agricultural activities while supporting essential energy infrastructure.

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ENVIRONMENTAL Excellence

Integrated Ecological Design

Enhanced Biodiversity Design

Building on detailed ecological surveys, our design incorporates features specifically for local wildlife, including water features, nesting boxes, and indigenous wildflower meadows. These enhancements support native species while working in harmony with the site's existing pastoral character.

Natural Site Screening

The site's natural topography and existing vegetation provide effective visual integration within the pastoral landscape. Additional native planting will further enhance the natural screening, particularly along Hanworth Road, minimising visual impact on the surrounding area.

Operational Excellence

Advanced remote monitoring systems ensure optimal performance with minimal physical presence. The facility operates with carefully monitored noise controls, with cooling systems designed to meet appropriate standards and guidelines. Monthly maintenance visits maximise operational efficiency while maintaining minimal local impact.

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KEY OUTCOMES

Powering Regional Progress

Modular power stations

Energy Security Enhancement

  • Deployment of 750MW/3GWh energy storage capacity, equivalent to powering over 2 million homes for 1 hour
  • Strategically positioned on Sydney's 500kV transmission ring to enhance grid stabilisation between renewable generation zones and metropolitan demand
  • Provides critical back-up power capacity during peak demand periods, strengthening system resilience for both regional and urban areas
Carbon reduction

Carbon Reduction Leadership

  • Supports Australia's commitment to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030 through optimised integration of renewable energy sources
  • Enables greater utilisation of the South West Renewable Energy Zone by providing large-scale storage capabilities
  • Aligns with NSW Government's Net Zero Plan, supporting the state's transition towards a low-carbon electricity system

Ecological advancement

Ecological Advancement

  • Maintains active agricultural use across the broader 305-hectare property, preserving the site's pastoral character and productivity
  • Delivers biodiversity improvements through native vegetation corridors, wildlife-friendly fencing and habitat enhancement
  • Creates long-term environmental stewardship through ongoing land management and ecological monitoring programmes
Regional investment

Regional Investment

  • Creates employment opportunities during construction and operation, prioritising workers from nearby centres including Taralga and Goulburn
  • Establishes community benefit-sharing programme aligned with NSW Planning guidelines, providing long-term support for local initiatives
  • Contributes to regional infrastructure development through council rates and community investment over the project's operational lifetime
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Next Steps

Development Application

Our project team has undertaken preliminary flora and fauna surveys across the proposal site. Further studies will be conducted in the EIS phase to better understand the site characteristics and impacts and determine appropriate mitigation strategies.

Ecology
Flooding
Heritage
Landscape
Noise
Transport
December 2024
Community Drop-in session
January 2025
SEARs Response from NSW Department of Planning and Environment
June / July 2025
EIS Development & Public Consultation
Early 2026
Project Determination
Q2 / Q3 2026
Construction Commencement (Subject to Approval)
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Contact

Share Your Thoughts

BW ESS maintains a long-term commitment to the communities where we operate. We look forward to engaging with residents and stakeholders across the Upper Lachlan Shire region throughout the project's development and operation. Please feel free to reach out to us:

• Complete the form below with your comments
• Call the consultation team: 1800 810 680
• Email us: cominput@ghd.com

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