Byellee BESS

About Eku Energy

Who is Eku Energy?

Eku Energy is deeply committed to our mission of accelerating the global energy transition by delivering safe, secure and reliable energy storage solutions that provide cost-effective clean energy to existing and future generations. Our vision is to be recognized as the world's best creator of energy storage investment products.

At Eku Energy, we are a high-performance global team that is expert and specialist in energy storage: this is what we do. What sets us apart is our technology enabled business paired with our curiosity and outcomes focused mindset to deliver innovative solutions around design, contracting structures and financing to achieve the most cost-effective clean energy solution to energy users.

Operating across the entire project lifecycle—from origination and development through to construction and ongoing management—Eku Energy is a trusted leader in the energy sector. The company’s global presence across Australia, Japan, Italy and the UK allows us to bring together a wealth of experience in navigating complex regulatory, financial and market environments. We want to pave the way for a greener and just future for all, by securing tomorrow's energy today.

Where does Eku Energy operate?

Eku Energy is headquartered in London with further offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Tokyo. We are soon to open offices in Italy and Germany.

What is Eku Energy’s pipeline?

We currently have 7 assets under either construction or in operations with a further 50+ projects in the pipeline.

What is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a large-scale energy storage facility that stores and releases energy to the electricity grid. A BESS comprises several "enclosures" or battery units (broadly resembling a shipping container), inverters, transformers and other electrical equipment. A BESS site usually also includes access tracks, water tanks, site offices, amenities and screening.

Why do we need Battery Energy Storage Systems?

Energy storage is essential in supporting the safe, secure and reliable operation of Australia’s National Electricity Market. A BESS provides fast responding, dispatchable energy to the grid to ensure that electricity supply remains reliable and stable. At times of excess supply in the grid, such as during the middle of a sunny day, the BESS will charge by importing electricity from the grid. During times of lower supply and higher demand, such as the early evening, the BESS will discharge, exporting electricity into and stabilising the grid.

A BESS makes electricity generated from intermittent sources like wind and solar dispatchable and can help to balance the grid. It also enables the grid to absorb more renewable energy generation like from household rooftop solar. A BESS also provides a range of essential system services, such as frequency and voltage support which ensure the grid operates securely.

What is the size of Calliope BESS and where will it be located?

Calliope BESS is a utility-scale 300MW / 1.2GWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system, located adjacent to the Calliope River, near Gladstone in Queensland with a direct connection to the Calliope Substation. The project will generate electricity into the National Electricity Market (NEM) Queensland Region with a proposed operational life of 20+ years.

Calliope BESS is anticipated to be in operations in 2028. The project is currently in development with planning and environmental studies underway. We are keen to receive feedback from local residents and the community about the project.

Has the community been consulted on this project and how did this consultation occur?

Eku Energy are committed to transparent, open and proactive consultation with First Nations, local stakeholders and the broader community.

As the project is in early stages of development, we are engaging with the Gladstone Regional Council, local and near neighbours as part of the first phases of engagement. This allows communities to gain early insight into the project and provide valuable feedback that can be incorporated into the design.

As the project progresses, we are door knocking near neighbours and inviting members of the community and interest groups to a Community Drop-in Session which will be held during the DA consultation phase. This allows community to learn more about the project, meet the team to ask questions and support any questions or enquiries they may have.

Eku Energy maintains strong commitments to engagement, consultation and benefits sharing with First Nations people. In line with the delivery of our ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan. These initiatives will include meaningfully engaging and consulting with the Port Curtis Coral Coast Trust and other First Nations representatives in line with the cultural protocols of the area; commitments to identifying and establishing partnership opportunities for the supply of services or goods in support of the proposed project; delivering a benefits sharing scheme that provide long-lasting and positive impacts for the Aboriginal community.

We are continuing ongoing information and consultation activities with details to be released via ekuenergy.com/calliope and direct communication channels.

How will the local community benefit from this project?

Eku Energy will establish a community grants program to support local not-for profits and fund projects or initiatives of importance and value to the broader community. We welcome the communities input on the scope and priorities for these social investment, which could align with the values of having a positive impact on the environment, social connectedness as well as employment and education. We welcome ongoing suggestions on ways that Calliope BESS can share benefits with the community.

In due course, Eku Energy will invite eligible local non-for profits and community organisations to contribute to the program design by getting in touch and applying via the project website.

How many jobs will be created through the project?

During the peak of the construction, we estimate approximately 100-150 jobs will support the project.

How is the project providing benefits to the local community?

Eku Energy are committed to employing local workers, sourcing from local suppliers and sharing benefits of the projects with the communities in which we operate. The Calliope BESS welcomes interested suppliers, contractors and interested workers to get in contact with the project team to express their interest.

Are there any environmental or heritage concerns at the site?

Environmental surveys and ecology report conducted and to inform project design to minimise and mitigate the risk of the projects having a significant impact on matters of state and national environmental significance.

Do batteries emit noise and how will that impact residents?

During construction, the potential impacts of the project on the surrounding area residents may include noise (construction and electrical hum) and increased traffic movements to support the safe delivery of plant to site.

During operations, batteries do emit some noise during their operations depending on their operating mode and ambient air temperature. However, the design of the BESS has sought to minimise operational noise and conservative mitigation measures (such as acoustic walls) to ensure alignment with local regulations.

How can I get in contact?

We operate a dedicated toll-free number 1800 989 687 and our email is calliope@ekuenergy.com.

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