Arundel BESS

The proposed Arundel BESS Project is in the initial Scoping Phase of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) approval process. The Scoping Report is developed in the early stages of the process and is used to determine the technical assessments that will be included within the Environment Impact Statement (EIS).

The proposed Arundel BESS is adjacent to the Wagga Wagga Substation, a strategically important node within the NSW electricity system. Wagga Wagga Substation sits at the convergence between two transformational transmission infrastructure projects: Project Energy Connect to the west and Humelink to the south-east.

Hosting a battery energy storage system at this site will  

• support system security by delivering local system strength and voltage regulation

• firm existing and new energy generation

• support electricity transfers between local and regional areas, as well as South Australia, NSW and Victoria to help put downward pressure on electricity prices

Eku Energy are committed to transparent, open and proactive consultation with Wagga Wagga Regional Council, local stakeholders and community members to share information about the proposed project. The project is currently in the scoping phase in preparation for the Development Application. We value all and any constructive feedback as it informs our application.  

While we have broadly advertised our public engagement events via local media, we want to ensure that those members of the community in closest proximity to the project were informed first. On July 1st our team door knocked near neighbours just a day after they had received information via a letterbox drop to properties within a 2km distance of the proposed project site. During these conversations, our team discussed concerns raised by residents such as potential visual impacts, fire management and noise. We have since been meeting with neighbours to hear their concerns in further detail, answer questions and discuss the status of the project. Our community engagement sessions this week on July 22 and 23 are the first introductions of the proposed project and the team to the broader community. We will be engaging with the Wagga Wagga community, Council and stakeholders throughout the process.  

The project team will be in the local area on a regular basis, yet everyone can reach out to us at any time via arundel@ekuenergy.com, calling 1800 989 687 or visiting ekuenergy.com/Arundel.  

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 Wiradjuri people; commitments to identifying and establishing partnership opportunities for the supply of services or goods in support of the proposed project; delivering a benefit sharing scheme that provide long-lasting and positive impacts for the local First Nations 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 Arundel BESS welcomes interested suppliers, contractors and interested workers to get in contact with the project team via arundel@ekuenergy.com to express their interest.

Eku Energy will also 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 community’s input on the scope and priorities to co-create benefits, that 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 Arundel 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.

Utility-scale batteries are specifically engineered for long-term safety and reliability. Unlike mobile device batteries, which are designed to be lightweight and compact, utility-scale batteries are built for stability and long life.

In comparison, phone and tablet batteries are typically designed to last 2 to 3 years, or around 300 to 500 full charge cycles, before their performance starts to noticeably drop. This is because they’re built for portability, not long-term use. They are also more likely to wear out quickly due to constant use, frequent fast charging, and exposure to changing temperatures and humidity.  

Unlike utility-scale systems, these devices don’t have active systems to manage their environment, so the batteries are more affected by everyday conditions like heat, cold, and moisture. All of this shortens their life considerably.

The Arundel BESS, in comparison, is proposed for 20+years. The batteries are housed in secure, climate-controlled containers and are monitored constantly by systems that regulate heat, voltage, and other conditions to ensure safe operation.

These safety measures significantly reduce the risk of overheating or fire. They are widely recognised for being one of the safest and most stable types of battery technology available.