A BESS captures surplus electrical energy and stores it in rechargeable batteries to be dispatched later in the day.

The Project is likely to use Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery technology supplied by well-established, reputable manufacturers, selected through a competitive process to ensure safety, quality, and reliability.

The facility will be neatly laid out and organised, with battery cabinets, inverters, and supporting control equipment connected by electrical and data cabling. The batteries will be housed in purpose-built steel cabinets that are fully enclosed, weather-resistant, and designed to protect the equipment from dust and the elements.

To help manage heat and blend with the surroundings, the cabinets will be finished in white or other light colours. Each cabinet also includes its own built-in temperature control system to ensure the batteries operate safely and efficiently at all times.

The proposed Project will have a power capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) with a 4-hour dispatchable duration, providing 2,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy.

The facilities and the associated electrical infrastructure are expected to occupy up to 10 Ha of land.

The equipment will be low-profile, with battery cabinets, up to 3 metres in height, similar in scale to a small shed or single-storey structure. The Project’s capacity can power about 200,000 homes during peak demand periods.

The BESS facility, when built, is expected to operate for at least 30 years. Over this time, the batteries are designed to retain most of their storage capacity and continue to perform reliably. With appropriate maintenance, the facility may be able to operate beyond this period, depending on future energy needs, market conditions, and regulatory considerations.

We prioritise safety in design across all BESS assets through a multi-layered strategy that combines passive design features with active detection and containment systems to safeguard personnel, assets, and the surrounding environment. The passive fire protection includes the site layout itself, which acts as the first line of defence. We implement a strict ‘Asset Protection Zone’ (APZ) around the facility perimeter, tailored according to bushfire consultant recommendations.

We recognise that managing noise emissions is critical for maintaining a positive environment, particularly in quiet rural areas where background levels are 30 to 40 dBA at night.

The main source of the sound is the cooling fans required to regulate the operating temperature of the individual battery cells. The sound they make is similar to that of an air conditioning unit. Our approach integrates acoustic mitigation directly into site selection and design, rather than relying solely on operational restrictions.

There are strict regulatory compliance objectives to ensure operational noise, at the nearest sensitive receiver (i.e. neighbouring farmhouse) does not exceed the state’s environmental noise guidelines. The Design Target is 35 dBA at the receiver’s boundary at night.

During construction, you may notice some localised traffic and construction noise. The Project will implement construction management measures to minimise these impacts wherever possible.

Once operational, the battery facility will be fully installed on-site and will appear as a row of white container-style enclosures. Beyond its visual presence, it is quiet, safe, and low-impact on the surrounding area.

Increasing battery energy storage helps to reduce electricity costs and provides system strength to minimise future regional and state blackouts, while delivering a range of direct and indirect benefits for the local community living in and around the Southern Flinders Ranges area.

• Employment: The Mount Remarkable Energy Hub is expected to generate 150 to 200 jobs during construction and 10 to 15 jobs in operations.

• Opportunities for local businesses and education: Engagement with local suppliers, service providers, and local educational programs.

• Community Benefits Fund: A community benefit-sharing program, managed by the community, will be established to fund local initiatives & community projects.

• Infrastructure Fund: A local infrastructure fund, managed in partnership with Council, will provide local infrastructure improvements.

• First Nations Fund: A First Nations Fund, will be developed with the Nukunu people, the local traditional owners of the land.

This ensures the project contributes economic, social, and educational value to the region, beyond its role in energy storage.