Plans lodged for $112.5m ‘critical’ battery storage project at Gould Creek
A planned $112.5m battery storage project in Adelaide’s northeast would increase renewal energy supply in the state, application documents reveal.
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A planned $112.5m battery storage project at Gould Creek would increase renewal energy supply in the state, a new report has revealed.
Maoneng Australia has lodged plans for the 225MW battery energy storage system with the state government’s development assessment panel (SCAP).
The plan involves 240 standard shipping containers containing racks of batteries, an operations and maintenance building and a electricity transformer over approximately five to 10 hectares of “degraded” agricultural land at 447 Black Top Rd, which would be connected to the South Para Substation.
“The proposed (station) represents critical electrical infrastructure to support grid stability within South Australia and represents a critical element of the SA grid,” the application stated.
“(It) represents an important component of any energy system moving towards increased renewable energy supply.”
The area is already “dominated by high voltage power lines and the glimpse of the Para Substation” but the proposal would be “low impact and not result in any hazard impact” on any nearby land, it stated.
In addition, “no significant... vegetation or significant habitat area are located on the land”, the report stated, with the nearest property more than 800 metres away.
“The majority of the (station) comprises buildings with heights below three metres,” it stated.
“When operational… (it) will result in no impact on neighbouring properties as a result of noise, dust or light spill.
“Operation… will not prevent or impact any neighbour from continuing to use their land for agriculture or any other appropriate land use.
“The balance of the subject land not used for (the station) will continue to be used for cereal cropping and there is not expected to be any conflict.”
It also suggested the station would result in a “visual improvement to the locality”.
“The visual impact of the substation is somewhat reduced by landscaped plantings located along the perimeter of the substation,” it stated.
However, in a letter to the company from the department of energy and mining, chief executive Paul Heithersay noted “possible environmental and community issues” that would have to be addressed.
“On balance, the development of Maoneng Australia’s proposed project has the potential to benefit South Australia and can be considered public/essential infrastructure,” Mr Heithersay said.
Energy Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan and Maoneng Australia has been contacted for comment.
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