Australia's New South Wales Approves 100MW Energy Storage in Deniliquin East for Construction in 2027
en.Wedoany.com Reported - The New South Wales (NSW) government has approved the development application for the Deniliquin East battery energy storage system (BESS), with a project investment of AUD 118 million (USD 82.7 million). The application was lodged by developer Bess Arctic, with Spain-headquartered Gransolar Development Australia (GDA) responsible for submission.
The energy storage station will use approximately 80 containerized lithium-ion battery modules, with a nominal battery capacity of 100 MW / 200 MWh and a total cell capacity of 120 MW / 240 MWh.
The approval assessment found that the project can bring energy, economic, and employment benefits to the local community, including 52 construction jobs and 2 operational jobs, as well as AUD 600,000 in community benefits to approximately 9,000 permanent residents of the Edward River Council.
The project site is located approximately 7 kilometers southeast of Deniliquin and approximately 712 kilometers southwest of Sydney. A total of 71 objections were received during the approval process, 9 of which came from interest groups, along with 1 submission in support and 1 comment.
Community concerns focused on fire risk and hazards, the value of renewable energy, and land use compatibility. The developer responded by further optimizing the project, such as preparing to comply with relevant recommendations from Fire Rescue NSW.
In response to six public submissions raising insufficient consultation, Gransolar cited the Undertaking Engagement Guidelines for State Significant Projects, stating that it had conducted community consultation through newsletters, community surveys, local newspaper announcements, pop-up community information sessions, the project website, and public contact details with government stakeholders, relevant agencies such as Transgrid, Aboriginal stakeholders including the Deniliquin Local Aboriginal Land Council, as well as adjacent neighbors and the surrounding community.
Assessors found that the agricultural land loss caused by the project is negligible: the BESS occupies 3.53 hectares, accounting for less than 0.0004% of agricultural land in the Edward River local government area (LGA).
Construction of the project is planned to begin in 2027 and operate until 2060.
