FAQs
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What measures will be implemented to respond to fire risks?
A specialist consultant has been engaged to provide a Preliminary Hazards Analysis which will be submitted for approval to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
A range of safeguards will be put in place, such as gas detection and suppression, and fire suppression within each battery block. Suitable gaps will also be maintained between BESS block components to ensure compliance with required national fire protection standards.
The BESS would be designed to include a two-hour fire resistance rating, a fire alarm system and an automatic sprinkler system. Other safeguards will include emergency stop, ground fault detection, overcurrent protection and a Battery Management System (BMS).
Risk mitigation strategies considered in selecting the site for the BESS include a 20-metre-wide Asset Protection Zone (APZ) between the proposed BESS and the existing Transgrid substation at Gullen Range Wind Farm, provision of fire safety separation distances and internal roads suitable for emergency access. Other mitigation measures may also include construction of a dam or other suitable water reservoir at site to ensure fire preparedness is maintained.
We will work with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to ensure that our Bushfire Management Plan is suitable for the local conditions, and this will be updated as needed through the construction and operations phase of the BESS project.
Is the Gullen BESS safe?
Safety is the number one focus of Gullen BESS and Gullen Range Wind and Solar Farm. As part of our investigations to develop the Gullen BESS project we will ensure that all potential risks are identified, thoroughly considered and appropriately addressed. The safety of our employees and the community surrounding the project is of the utmost importance to us. We will ensure that all aspects of the BESS design, construction, operation and maintenance meets all NSW Government safety regulations as well as national standards.
Our emergency management plans will also be developed in consultation with the RFS to ensure that any potential risks are identified and mitigated. Management plans will be developed prior to construction commencing including an emergency response plan, fire safety study and a Work, Health, Safety and Environmental management plan.
What measures are being put in place to stop chemicals from the battery entering local waterways or soil?
The equipment and systems will be designed and tested to comply with the relevant international standards and guidelines. Equipment will be procured from reputable suppliers and designs reviewed by independent engineers.
The battery cells will have a pod and external casing and be contained within a cabinet or container which will include BMS fault detection systems. Spill kits will be readily available and easily accessible onsite and will contain dry absorbent material that staff will be trained to use.
What will the impact be on local roads, during construction and once operational?
Once final selections have been made around BESS size and design, we will conduct full studies in consultation with Transport for NSW regarding oversize-over mass (OSOM) movements during construction. These OSOM movements would largely be to deliver the largest components of the BESS, such as the transformers. We will work with Transport for NSW to ensure that a suitable Traffic Management Plan is in place to reduce the impact on the local road network during construction.
Once the BESS is operational, we would expect there would be no additional impact to the local road network in excess of the current traffic movements for Gullen Range Wind Farm.
Will the BESS produce noise once operating, and how loud would it be?
The noise produced by the BESS is primarily from the cooling fans in each container, which are essential to control the temperature within the individual BESS cells. However, there would be no additional noise impacts to the broader community compared to the existing wind and solar farm itself.
What colour are the BESS containers?
Designs, including colour are still to be finalised; however, BESS containers are typically grey or off-white, with supporting buildings painted in a colour that allows them to blend in with the area’s natural surrounds.
Will the BESS be visible from nearby roads and houses?
What will the impact be to cultural heritage at the site?
What happens to the BESS when it reaches the end of its design life?
The design life for a BESS of the size proposed is approximately 20 years. We will include within the planning of the project an assessment of potential waste management options in the nearby area. We are committed to working with suppliers to maximise the end of design life options for batteries, such as recycling or repurposing suitable parts.
How will you ensure the workforce doesn’t impact on local housing supply?
We are committed to working with both Upper Lachlan Shire Council and Goulburn Mulwaree Council to develop an Accommodation Strategy that will not add pressure on the local housing and tourism accommodation supply. A detailed accommodation strategy will be prepared prior to submitting the development application.
What will construction hours be?
Construction activities at site will be limited to Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm, unless otherwise permitted under the project approval.
How long will construction take?
We expect that construction will take approximately 12 months in total.
How will the local community benefit from the construction of the Gullen BESS?
The construction of the Gullen BESS will provide benefit to the local community through a focus on local employment wherever possible, and a commitment to using local contractors and suppliers where feasible throughout both construction and operations.
Construction of the BESS will also provide support in firming the electricity grid and will provide renewable energy into the surrounding community and the wider NSW energy market.
Gullen BESS will also seek to implement a local community benefit initiative to support causes or initiatives important to local residents. We encourage the community to share their thoughts and suggestions on the things that are important to them that could be supported, which will enhance the lives of those living in the area.
Gullen Range Wind Farm more broadly has an existing Community Enhancement Fund, which has awarded more than $670,000 in grants since it commenced in 2014. The wind farm also operates a Clean Energy Program which has given funding to more than 90 local residents to make energy efficiency improvements to their property within 5km of the wind farm.
Who is developing Gullen BESS?
Gullen BESS is being jointly developed by BJEI Australia and Goldwind Australia.
Alongside sister company, BJCE Australia, BJEI Australia has an interest in 565MW of clean energy assets in NSW. BJEI Australia aims to build a 6GW portfolio of clean energy assets in Australia by 2030. BJEI Australia’s project, Wollar Solar Farm, will also feature a BESS of up to 280MW/560MWh and is currently in development.
BJEI has owned and operated Gullen Range Wind Farm since 2014.
With over a decade of experience, Goldwind is a world leader in energy storage solutions. The company has delivered approximately 10 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across 120 projects globally.
Goldwind has been a pioneer at the forefront of introducing Energy Storage as a Service (E-SaaS) in China. With advanced grid-forming capabilities, expertise in Power Station operations and maintenance (O&M), and energy trading, they are supported by exceptional research and development, experimental verification, and manufacturing expertise.
Goldwind is dedicated to enhancing energy production, management, and utilisation, delivering cleaner, more eco-friendly, and highly efficient energy solutions to the world.
Both BJEI Australia and Goldwind Australia are proud founding signatories to the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter for Renewable Energy Developments. The Charter is a voluntary set of commitments that reflect a promise to develop and operate projects in a socially responsible way, with high quality community engagement at the forefront.
What is a megawatt hour?
A megawatt hour, or MWh, equals to 1,000 kilowatts of electricity used continuously for one hour. The proposed Gullen BESS project would provide enough storage at full capacity (up to 300MW) for two continuous hours (up to 600MWh).
Where will the energy stored at the Gullen BESS go?
The energy stored at Gullen BESS will provide support in firming the electricity grid and will provide power into the surrounding community and the wider NSW grid. The energy will be released into the electricity grid through the connecting substation.
How can I find out more information or ask questions?
We welcome questions from the community. Please submit your enquiry via the contact form on the contact page or email info@gullenbess.com.
