Energy storage and distribution has a long history at Kurnell. Operating as an oil refinery from 1956-2014 and now as a fuel terminal, the addition of a BESS at the site would continue the legacy of energy storage and distribution at Kurnell.
Ampol recognises that the energy transition is underway, presenting an opportunity for us to evolve with our customers as their energy needs change. We are looking at how we can better utilise our land and assets across Australia, including our site at Kurnell. Since the decommissioning of the refinery, the southern and central areas of the site are now largely vacant and ready for the next chapter.
How a BESS works
• A BESS can charge and store electricity during periods of high energy production and low demand, and release energy during periods of high demand.
• A BESS can manage electricity network variations created by different energy sources including renewable energy, such as solar and wind, which can be affected by changes in weather conditions.
How would a BESS work at Kurnell?
• Currently electricity is transferred from an external energy source through the electricity network to the Kurnell South substation, and then on to the community.
• If a BESS is built at the Kurnell Terminal, it can charge with electricity from the Kurnell South substation during periods of low energy demand. When the energy from the BESS is needed, it can be transferred back to the Kurnell South substation and distributed to energy users.
• A BESS is ideally located near to electrical networks, making Kurnell a suitable location for a BESS given the existing high voltage substation and proximity to areas with high energy needs.
• Large scale batteries, such as the BESS proposed at Kurnell, will provide future capacity and resilience for the NSW energy network.
Project Quick Links
Kurnell Battery Energy Storage System
Kurnell BESS project team
Phone: 1800 719 669
Email: KurnellBESS@wsp.com