Australia's 1.2GW/4.8GWh Hanworth Energy Storage Project Enters Federal Approval Process

en.Wedoany.com Reported -

• Australia's Octopus Australia is advancing federal and state planning approvals for the Hanworth Battery Energy Storage System project in New South Wales. According to the latest information on Australia's federal environmental approval platform, the project has entered the review process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) and is currently in the public comment period. Meanwhile, the project is also preparing an Environmental Impact Statement under the New South Wales State Significant Development process. The project is planned with a capacity of 1.2GW/4.8GWh, utilizing lithium iron phosphate batteries with a designed storage duration of 4 hours.

• The Hanworth project is located in the Bannaby area of Upper Lachlan Shire, New South Wales, approximately 46 kilometers northeast of Goulburn, with the project site situated near Transgrid's existing transmission infrastructure. According to federal submission documents, the energy storage system is planned to connect to the 500kV Bannaby substation, with two transmission connection options currently proposed—east and west—both ultimately connecting to the substation via underground lines. The final option remains subject to ongoing grid connection agreement negotiations with Transgrid.
• The project development footprint covers up to approximately 12 hectares. Octopus Australia plans to be responsible for project operations from the construction phase through to decommissioning, with the project website indicating an expected operational lifespan of 20 to 25 years. The construction phase is expected to provide approximately 200 full-time equivalent positions, while the operational phase will be staffed with approximately 4 long-term positions.
• The Hanworth project was originally developed by Enervest. In February 2026, Enervest sold the project to Octopus Australia but continues to be involved in planning, environmental, community, and stakeholder work. Octopus Australia is responsible for advancing planning approvals, grid connection, and procurement in preparation for subsequent construction. At the time of transaction completion, both parties had confirmed that the project remained in the development approval stage and had not yet entered construction.
• The New South Wales planning authority currently classifies Hanworth as a State Significant Development, with project number SSD-78179499 and a current status of "Prepare EIS," meaning an Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared. The state-level application covers the 1.2GW/4.8GWh energy storage system and its supporting infrastructure. The project has not yet obtained final state development approval.