BESS facilities generally use lithium-ion to store the electricity until it is ready to be distributed to the network. BESS facilities allow energy generated from another source (such as a wind farm) to be stored until it is needed. BESS facilities improve grid reliability by storing low-cost electricity when there is an oversupply of electricity or during periods of low demand/high generation so that electricity is available when demand is higher. In fact, BESS can reduce electricity costs for communities by lowering peak demand charges and providing access to cheaper off-peak electricity. The fast response capability of BESS also enables ancillary services to maintain grid power quality at a standard level. Additionally, BESS can act as a backup power source during emergencies like bushfires, ensuring that critical infrastructure (hospitals, emergency services, water systems) remains operational even if the grid is disrupted.
BESS facilities contain several key components, including battery units, inverters and transformers. The final composition of a BESS facility will depend on the BESS technology used, the BESS supplier, and the facility's size. Where possible, BESS facilities are co-located with or near a grid connection point (such as a terminal station), therefore minimising the need for additional connection infrastructure.
Large-scale BESS facilities are expected to have an operational life of approximately 15 to 20 years and are typically monitored remotely, without the need for permanent on-site staff. Staff are, however, required to access the site from time to time to undertake inspection and maintenance activities.
OX2 is the leading developer of onshore wind in Europe. As an industry pioneer, we are active in eleven markets and offer fully customised renewable energy solutions involving several technologies, including wind and solar energy, in addition to hydrogen and energy storage projects. We design and build sustainable projects and tailor them to meet our customers’ needs. OX2 has a proven business model and in-house expertise at every step of the process – from project inception and financing to engineering and design, permitting, procurement, construction, and technical and commercial management. Our mission is to accelerate access to renewable energy. We see ourselves becoming the leading provider of renewable energy solutions globally, thereby powering the great shift.
If required, landscape screening can be a measure taken to reduce the visual impact. Vegetation can be planted to screen the view of the wind farm from viewpoints. Vegetation screening may be able to be planted on the perimeter of the site should the footprint and fire risk considerations allow. Off-site landscape screening may sometimes be required by authorities, particularly where visual impacts cannot be mitigated on site.
Technical and environmental studies are undertaken by independent consultants who are experts in their field to identify baseline conditions and possible impacts. We use these studies to inform the project design, planning and construction and ongoing management. The assessments undertaken for a wind farm typically include:
A wind farm is a major project and like any major infrastructure project, construction can be disruptive at certain times. To minimise this, we work with the project landowners, neighbours, contractors, local councils and wider community to plan construction responsibly and manage any impacts effectively and efficiently. Some of the ways we do this include:
Each stage of construction can pose different challenges, such as traffic movements during the initial road construction phase or over-dimensional vehicle movements as components are delivered to the site. Adequate stakeholder engagement and early planning will allow those movements to occur safely for the workforce and the community, with any planned disruptions communicated to relevant stakeholders (including the community). Depending on the size of the project, construction can take several years. Management Plans are required to outline how potential impacts are managed, and that all management and mitigation measures are understood and followed by the project partners.
To reduce and manage risk, Health and Safety Management Plans are developed to ensure safe construction practices and potential risks are identified, mitigated and communicated to workers. All staff and contractors undertake mandatory training in safety and emergency procedures before starting work on-site.
The relevant fire safety authorities are consulted during the Project's development stage to ensure that the Project's design meets fire safety requirements and that management and mitigation measures are accounted for. As access tracks and fire breaks are constructed within the Project site, fire safety on the site and in the surrounding area will improve.
Firefighting infrastructure will be made available on-site during the construction and operation of the Project, and safe access for emergency responders in and around the facility will be provided. The infrastructure will be provided in consultation with the relevant fire safety authorities and to comply with agreed fire safety and emergency response management measures. Vegetation will be managed to reduce the risk of increased bushfire and grassfire. Fire safety regulations will be complied with during construction. For example, no hot works will be undertaken during total fire ban days.
The construction of a wind farm and BESS generates traffic as materials, machinery, and components are delivered to the site. Prior to the commencement of construction, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is developed in consultation with road authorities and local councils to ensure that construction traffic is appropriately managed and uses approved roads only. School bus routes are taken into account.
Local roads may be upgraded before works begin to ensure they are suitable for truck and oversize vehicle loads. We work closely with our contractors and councils to plan deliveries, coordinate with other road users and provide advance notice of any disruption. Any road construction works (including upgrades) required to facilitate the construction of the Project will be undertaken at our cost.
