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- Kurnell community update April 2024
- Kurnell community update February 2024
- Kurnell community update November 2023
- Kurnell community update September 2023
- Kurnell community update August 2023
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A BESS at Kurnell
Q. What is a BESS?
A. A BESS can charge and store electricity during periods of high energy production and low demand, and releases energy during periods of high demand. A BESS can manage variations in supply from different energy sources including renewable energy, such as solar and wind which can be affected by change in weather conditions.
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 Sydney. By being connected to the national electricity grid, the BESS can store energy for future use when needed by consumers.
Q. Where would the BESS be located?
A. During early investigations, we identified an ‘investigation area’ that included the southern and central areas of the existing Ampol Kurnell site. Following the Scoping Report and SEARs, we have refined the preferred site location to the central area to minimise the impacts on the Kurnell community, neighbouring areas of ecological sensitivity, Ampol’s existing terminal operations and to reduce bushfire risk. To view site map click here.
Further investigations are being completed and the final preferred location of the BESS will be included in the EIS.
Q. What does a BESS look like?
A. A BESS typically consists of interconnected batteries in containers or buildings. It is proposed that the BESS at Kurnell would most likely be around three metres in height, with some structures up to six metres in height. The tallest part would be lightning masts, which could be up to 30 metres in height. The expected size and scale of the project will be outlined in the EIS.
Q. How long would the BESS be operational?
A. The proposed BESS is intended to have an operational life of 20 to 30 years and, depending on the selected technology components, may be replaced and/or upgraded to extend this timeframe. Following the end of economic life, above ground components would be removed and re-purposed, or recycled where possible, and land rehabilitated as required.
Q. Would other infrastructure be required to support the BESS?
A. A control and office building with separate amenities, switch rooms, workshop, and storage building to support operation and maintenance activities would also be included as part of the project. Telecommunications, as well as potable and wastewater connections, would be required and may be integrated with existing or future shared facilities at the Kurnell site. There would also be new underground cable connections installed to connect the BESS to the existing Ausgrid Kurnell South Zone Substation on Captain Cook Drive. No significant upgrades are expected to be required to this substation.
Planning process and project timing
Q. What is the planning and approvals process?
A. At the end of 2023, following feedback from the Kurnell community and other stakeholders, Ampol submitted a Scoping Report and a request for Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARS). This step is part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) State Significant Development (SSD) application process. As part of this process, the project team is currently preparing environmental assessments in line with the SEARs. The SEARs set out assessment requirements that need to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Both the Scoping Report and SEARS are available on the Planning NSW website at https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/kurnell-battery-energy-storage-system
The purpose of an EIS is to document the assessment of relevant environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project. It helps the community, councils, government agencies, and the consent authority get a better understanding of a project and its impacts so they can make informed submissions or decisions on the merits of the project. In the EIS, we will assess the potential construction and operational impacts of the project and outlines mitigation measures to minimise impacts on the community. The EIS will include assessments for both stages of the project.
Should the EIS be submitted to DPHI, the EIS will go on public exhibition to provide an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the project to read the document, ask questions, and provide feedback in a formal submission. A submissions report would then be prepared and submitted to DPHI for assessment. The consenting authority would be the Independent Planning Commission.
Q. What is the planned construction timing for the Kurnell BESS?
A. We are currently in the planning phase, and it is anticipated that should the project be approved, it would be constructed in two or more stages.
- Stage 1 includes construction of around a 250 MW battery and is likely to consist of Lithium-ion technology
- Stage 2 includes construction of a battery up to 550 MW and may consist of Lithium-ion, Sodium-ion, flow battery technology or a mix of these technologies.
Construction of Stage 1 would start in 2027 and take up to 12 months.
Q. Will the fuel terminal at Kurnell continue to operate if a BESS is built?
A. The fuel terminal will continue to operate.
Environmental assessments
Q. Will the EIS consider impacts on local traffic?
A. We acknowledge that the impact of traffic on the surrounding area during construction of a BESS would be very important for the Kurnell Community. We are currently preparing a traffic, transport and access impact assessment that will be included in the EIS to identify and understand traffic impacts and appropriate mitigation measures. This assessment would provide an assessment of construction traffic.
During operation, it is anticipated that a BESS would not result in significant traffic movements to and from the terminal.
Q. Will the EIS consider noise generated by a BESS?
A. A Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment will be included in the EIS. This will assess the potential noise impacts from the proposed BESS to nearby residential and commercial properties during construction and operation. The assessment will also identify appropriate mitigation measures to minimise potential impacts to the surrounding community.
Preliminary noise modelling is currently being carried out to confirm the appropriate location of the BESS within the Ampol Kurnell Site. Background noise monitoring commenced in late 2023 to support the assessment.
Q. Will the EIS consider risk of fire?
A. A fire from a BESS is rare and is generally contained to the location of the individual battery container by the battery design, automatic systems and external intervention such as onsite and offsite firefighting equipment. Due to the nature of the Kurnell Terminal, Ampol already has firefighting equipment on site.
The site investigation area is located near vegetation. A Bushfire Hazard Assessment will be prepared to meet the requirements of the NSW Rural Fire Service. Mitigation measures would also be identified and incorporated into the design and outlined in the EIS if required.
Q. Will the EIS consider flood risks and water quality?
A. Regular ground water and stormwater monitoring is undertaken as part of the Kurnell Terminal’s operational activities, which would continue during operation of a BESS.
The Surface Water and Flooding Assessment in the EIS will include information about flood mitigation and management; erosion, sediment, and other pollutant control measures; and water requirements and supply arrangements during construction and operation. The proposed BESS would be designed to manage stormwater flows and stormwater quality to mitigate potential impacts on local receiving waters and groundwater quality.
Q. Will the EIS consider local air quality impacts?
A. During operation, a BESS does not typically result in air quality emissions. During construction, there may be potential for dust due to earth work activities. However, this impact is expected to be minor and managed within the site. The EIS will consider potential air quality impacts.
Q. Will the EIS consider potential impacts from lighting?
A. Lighting is necessary for the safe operation of a BESS, and is typically designed to minimise off-site impacts, including the use of low intensity lighting except where required for safety or emergency purposes.
Q. Will the EIS consider local heritage?
A. The EIS will include a Heritage Impact Assessment and an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Impact Report to assess and manage impacts to heritage values.
Consultation with Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) is underway, with a survey of the Ampol Kurnell Terminal and proposed BESS siting recently undertaken.
Project Quick Links
Ampol Kurnell Battery Energy Storage System
Kurnell BESS project team
Phone: 1800 719 669
Email: KurnellBESS@wsp.com