BESS facilities generally use lithium-ion to store the electricity until it is ready to be distributed to the network. BESS facilities allow energy generated from another source (such as a solar farm) to be stored until it is needed. BESS facilities improve grid reliability by storing low-cost electricity when there is an oversupply of electricity or during periods of low demand/high generation so that electricity is available when demand is higher. In fact, BESS can reduce electricity costs for communities by lowering peak demand charges and providing access to cheaper electricity during off-peak hours. The fast response capability of BESS also offers ancillary services to keep power quality in the grid at a standard level. Additionally, BESS can act as a backup power source during emergencies like bushfires, ensuring that critical infrastructure (hospitals, emergency services, water systems) remains operational even if the grid is disrupted.
BESS facilities contain several key components, including battery units, inverters and transformers. The final composition of a BESS facility will depend on the BESS technology being used, the BESS supplier and the size of the facility. Where possible, BESS facilities are co-located with or near a grid connection point (such as a terminal station), therefore minimising the need for additional connection infrastructure.
Large-scale BESS facilities are expected to have an operational life of approximately 15 to 20 years and are typically monitored remotely, without the requirement for permanent staff on site. Staff are, however, required to access the site from time to time to undertake inspection and maintenance activities.
As the grid of the future is developed in Australia, the Australian energy market has evolved from the previous baseload power system to a more flexible system. Energy storage plays a crucial role in balancing this system. Pumped hydro is an example of long-term storage, ideal for storing energy and releasing it over periods of days or weeks. However, due to its slower ’ramping’ time, it is less effective in providing rapid-response services during grid emergencies like outages or heat waves (when air conditioning causes high demand). This critical short- erm need is fulfilled by battery storage technology.
A BESS design is led by site investigations, environmental assessments, community feedback and planning permit requirements. We consider a range of aspects:
• Local topography
• Geotechnical (ground) conditions
• Proximity and connectivity to the grid
• Safety
• Constructability
• Relevant standards, guidelines and legislation
• Stakeholder and community feedback
• Transport routes and access to the site
• Potential environmental and heritage impacts
• Operations and maintenance requirements
• Project cost and value for money
BESS facilities are typically a group of containers storing battery systems inside. The number of containers depends on the batteries being used and the space available at the site. However, BESS technology is continuously evolving, with BESS components becoming increasingly more efficient and compact in size.
OX2 is the leading developer of onshore wind in Europe. As an industry pioneer, we are active in eleven markets and offer fully customised renewable energy solutions involving several technologies, including wind and solar energy, in addition to hydrogen and energy storage projects. We design and build sustainable projects and tailor them to meet our customers’ needs. OX2 has a proven business model and in-house expertise at every step of the process – from project inception and financing to engineering and design, permitting, procurement, construction, and technical and commercial management. Our mission is to accelerate access to renewable energy. We see ourselves becoming the leading provider of renewable energy solutions globally, thereby powering the great shift.
If required, landscape screening can be a measure taken to reduce the visual impact. Vegetation can be planted to screen the view of the solar farm from viewpoints. Vegetation screening may be able to be planted on the perimeter of the site should the footprint and fire risk considerations allow. Off-site landscape screening may sometimes be required by authorities, particularly where visual impacts cannot be mitigated on site.
