Macedon BESS project will be a collection of battery modules commonly based on lithium-ion technology, as seen in common household items such as a smartphone and laptop’s battery. Battery modules contain individual low-voltage battery cells arranged in racks within enclosures creating the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The battery cells store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and are connected to achieve the desired power and capacity.

Like a typical battery that needs charging and then followed by discharging for power consumption, BESS also needs to charge its energy from the grid, typically during peak production such as at mid-day when there is plenty of solar energy entering the grid. When the demand for electricity rises, BESS will discharge its stored energy through using a specialized Power Conversion System (PCS) to export the electricity back to the grid.

A typical BESS system will consist of:

• Battery containers: which house the battery racks, as well as other system’s components such as battery management system (BMS), cooling system, and fire suppression system.
• Power conversion system (PCS): which are typically electrical conversion units that convert between DC and AC electricity between the battery (DC only) and the grid (AC only).
• Transformer station: which support to increase or decrease the voltage transmit to and from the grid.

The transition to clean energy will require more renewable energy generation such as wind and solar to replace the ageing coal fired power stations. Given the variability of renewable resources, BESS will play a major role to help ensure a continuous supply of energy in the grid. BESS will store excess energy generated such as during day time, and release it during peak demand in the evening.

The 100 MW 4-hour stand-alone BESS enhances grid stability by providing a bi-directional power function, helping to smooth out power fluctuations. It helps manage peak load demands, reducing the need for expensive and carbon-intensive gas-peaking power plants, thereby lowering operational costs and environmental impact. As the electricity market is mainly driven by supply and demand, the increased energy availability in the market will help stabilize electricity prices. Additionally, BESS also helps improve grid stability by providing ancillary services such as frequency control support. As such the grid can support more capacity of renewables towards meeting Australia’s clean energy goal.

Large-scale renewable energy and battery storage projects create long-term employment. As per the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest available release of Employment in Renewable Energy Activities, the annual direct full-time equivalent employment in renewable energy activities in Australia was estimated at 26,850 jobs in 2018-19. Not only are these new jobs crucial to communities, their positive flow-on effect is also felt throughout the local supply chains. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, and Environmental and Water (DCCEEW) has released a new report on the state of energy storage growth for Australia, showing the battery industry could provide $16.9 billion per annum in economic benefits and support 61,400 local jobs by 2030.

South Energy believes that the Macedon site is ideal for a BESS project for the following reasons:

• It has excellent access to Victoria state’s energy infrastructure through the adjacent Gisborne Zone Substation;
• It is highly accessible through transport connections through both Macedon-Woodend Road and Calder Freeway;
• It has a natural barrier of large trees and vegetation, which could act as a visual shield for the project, and reduce visual impact for nearby residents;
• The local council strongly supports renewable energy through different initiatives such as installing hybrid system of solar and battery storage.

The project site is approximately 5 hectares, and the Macedon BESS development footprint will occupy around 3.5 ha to build a 100 megawatts (MW), and 400 megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage capacity. The Macedon BESS project on a 4-hour discharge cycle is expected to discharge enough energy to power the equivalent of approximately 35,000 households.

The Macedon BESS project will be charged and discharged at the medium voltage of 66 kV at Gisborne Zone Substation. When there is excess generation in the grid, the BESS will act as load and charge the cells. As generation reduced or demand increases, the BESS will discharge the stored energy to serve the demand.

The electricity from the Macedon BESS project will first flow to the Gisborne Zone Substation. From there it will flow to where the demand is. Typically this will be the local areas such as Macedon, Woodend and surrounding areas. Once the local load is supplied, excess electricity will be exported to the transmission network through the 66kV network to reach more distant areas such as Sunbury.

The battery project will be connected to a high-voltage transmission network and has no direct impact on the rooftop solar or battery system. However, there will be indirect benefit to the whole system as the BESS will be able to absorb solar production during daytime and hence will help the grid to accept more solar generation including from rooftop. Without sufficient BESS in the system, there may be restrictions on solar export which may impact the economics of rooftop solar.

Construction is targeted to commence in early 2027 with completion approximately 12-16 months later.

Any work would take place within working hours as permitted by law. Should work need to be done outside normal days or hours, we will discuss it with the Macedon Shire Ranges City Council and follow the guidelines from the Environment Protection Agency of Victoria.

During construction, the following measures will be undertaken in order to minimise noise and vibration:

• No scheduled project construction, maintenance and decommissioning activities to occur during night time, Sundays or public holidays unless prior approval has been granted by relevant regulatory body;
• Shut off / throttle down any vehicles or equipment not in use; and
• Where reasonably practicable, utilise latest noise reduction equipment and technology.

During construction, the following measures will be undertaken in order to minimise dust generation:

• Avoid or minimise ground disturbance, soil movement and other dust producing activities;
• Utilise water or wetting agent on any exposed areas, including unpaved roads and lay down areas;
• Utilise wind breaks and slit fencing; and
• Undertake flexible management of speed limits in accordance with road and wind conditions.

A traffic impact assessment has been undertaken and will be submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning and Macedon Ranges Shire Council for review and approval as part of the Planning Approval process. This will guide any traffic management plan that might be required later. South Energy will ensure that all management plans are closely followed, and that due consideration will be given to road users, stakeholders, and the community.

Concrete will only be required for parts of the substation and battery storage foundation, and possibly for inverter plinths, depending on the final design.

Macedon BESS will have regular operation & maintenance checks to be conducted half-yearly/annually/quarterly. These checks will be performed by both the project site’s operation & maintenance team as well as the system manufacturer’s specialists, to ensure that all components are operating optimally, especially when it comes to optimising the battery’s health performance.

As well as regular maintenance, any weeds or pest animals found around the battery project components will be controlled regularly. This will be done per an approved monitoring plan.

Perimeter security fencing, CCTV security cameras, all-weather access tracks, fire breaks, regular site inspections and ongoing maintenance checks will ensure the safe operation of the BESS project. The site manager’s contact details will also be made available to the public.

The lifecycle of the Macedon BESS project is 15 to 20 years, at which time South Energy would either upgrade and or replace the relevant BESS components and keep going for another 15 to 20 years, or reinstate the original use of the land.

The BESS project would be bordered by an approximately 2m high chain mesh steel fence. Floodlighting would not be required to be on all night. However, motion sensor CCTV cameras would be installed along the fence line and lighting may come on when triggered. The cameras would only monitor the boundary fence and areas within the BESS project, ensuring the privacy of neighbouring properties.

Like any equipment, there will be noise from the BESS components, mainly from the cooling systems such as fans. South Energy has engaged a reputable tier-one international consultant with proven expertise in developing and designing battery and renewable energy projects to conduct noise assessments. South Energy, the consultant and BESS project’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will work together to assess the noise level and place the mitigations required to manage the noise level following the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

There are a range of technologies and processes for safely handling and recycling the components of the BESS project. For example, the battery cells are expected to be sent to a recycling facility where the chemicals are extracted and repurposed. Steel and metal parts will be recycled for further use in other projects. Concrete will be removed, and the land will be reinstated and made available for other purpose that will be in demand at that time.

South Energy is committed to providing support to the local community via benefit-sharing programs that help address the region’s key social, economic, and environmental needs. Besides, the project will play a crucial role in enhancing North West of Victoria grid stability and reliability, allowing more renewable energy integration, load flow balancing, and peak load management.

The project will positively impact local employment, through the provision of approximately 125 direct and indirect jobs during the 12-16 months construction phase, and about 3 permanent jobs and additional contract jobs once in operation. The employment benefits extend through the local supply chain to mechanics, cleaners, plant nurseries, clothing retailers, caterers, hospitality providers, tool and equipment suppliers and a range of other businesses.

South Energy understands the importance of fire risk management and will always put the public’s safety first. The design for the Macedon BESS project will be consistent with Country Fire Authority guidelines, with a firebreak (which also acts as an access track) built within the BESS project and along its boundary. South Energy will work with consultants and relevant authorities to conduct the bushfire management plan, risk management plan and emergency plan.

BESS project footprint consists of the battery storage zone, substation and control building zone, and operation and maintenance zone, which will be constructed over an area of around 4 ha.

BESS components are contained in modular cells which in turn are containerized. They will be installed on concrete pads or footings which are similar to those used for substations or even residential dwellings. Underground cabling will be installed by trenching and backfilling the ground. During decommissioning, the cables will be unearthed and recycled.

Structures within the BESS project are easily installed and do not affect groundwater. A hydrology assessment will be conducted and the findings will be reflected in the designs to manage water routes and avoid any impact on or from the BESS project.

An existing landscape buffer is provided along the project boundary to protect the area’s visual amenity. If deemed required, future landscaping would include a mix of indigenous shrubs and trees of varied heights and will have the added benefit of creating important new habitats for native fauna, thus supporting the region’s biodiversity.

The BESS project will be set back from the site’s border. This includes the existing and possible future landscape buffering and a firebreak, which is also used as an internal access track.

South Energy is an Australian-owned, Melbourne-based renewable energy company that specialises in the development of renewable energy projects.

South Energy has a portfolio of renewable energy development across Victoria and Western Australia. These include:

Victoria:

• Yangery BESS Project, 120 MW / 480 MWh
• Campbells Forest Solar Farm, 200 MW
• Goorambat Solar Farm, 75 MW
• Kennedys Creek Solar Farm, 145 MW
• West Mokoan Solar Farm, 190 MW
• Frasers Solar Farm, 77 MW

Western Australia:

• Narrogin BESS Project, 200 MW / 800 MWh
• Benger Solar Farm, 100 MW
• Waroona Solar Farm, 200 MW

New South Wales:

• Inverell BESS Project, 150 MW / 600 MWh

South Energy believes that clean and sustainable energy is the best solution for mitigating the risk of climate change. Our mission is to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including government and the community, to ensure a greener future for the next generation of Australians.

South Energy will work with the community in the best practice of communication and coordination. To manage communications and stakeholder engagement, our team is available at (03) 8842 6888 and via info@macedonbess.com.au, should you wish to discuss the project in more detail.