Projects

Abermain BESS

Abermain Battery Energy Storage

The proposed Abermain Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a 125MW stand-alone battery to be connected into the existing Abermain Substation in the City of Ipswich, Queensland.

The project is currently in the development phase and once operational, the Abermain BESS will provide a range of electricity and power market services – supporting Firm Power’s mission to power the clean energy transition.

DEVELOPMENT STATUS

The Abermain BESS is in active development with Ipswich City Council and the local Network Service Provider. The development phase of the project is expected to complete in late 2025.

SITE

Approximately 2.2ha of land has been secured adjacent to the Abermain Substation, and is easily accessible via the Warrego Highway. The land is Future Urban Area and supports the construction and operations of a battery energy storage system.

PLANNING

A code assessable development application for a material change of use (Major Utility) has been submitted to the Ipswich City Council and referred to the State Assessment and Referral Agency. Engagement with assessment authorities and infrastructure entities is ongoing.

GRID

As part of the grid strategy, Firm Power will submit a connection application to Powerlink, including system studies and models which cover the performance of the BESS. Following review of the connection applications by Powerlink and AEMO it is expected that an offer to connect will be produced followed by a connection agreement. The project is currently in the connection enquiry phase.

Construction & Operations

Once all necessary approvals, agreements and authorisations have been obtained, construction activities for the Abermain BESS project can commence. Construction is expected to take up to 18 months and involves site preparation, delivery and installation, and testing and commissioning stages.

Preparation of the site includes civil works to make it suitable for the BESS equipment, such as earthworks, drainage and foundations. Following this, electrical equipment such as battery module enclosures, inverters, transformers, switchgear and ancillary systems are delivered to site, installed and connected. The last step in construction is the testing and commissioning process where the BESS’s installation is validated and made ready for operation.

The BESS will be designed to operate for greater than a 20-year useful life. During this period operational work will generally involve monitoring, testing and maintenance of equipment as well as deliveries, waste removal and other general site maintenance (such as care of groundcover). During this period the site will be monitored and controlled remotely with staff and contractors coming to site periodically for the other activities.

At the BESS end of life, the site will either be reconditioned or remediated. This involves the removal of all above-ground infrastructure and any works needed to return the land to a safe, clean and stable state.

Community

The Abermain BESS will bring new sustainable technology to the local area and create construction jobs, opportunities for local suppliers and ongoing project roles. Firm Power is interested in talking to members of the community who have an interest in energy storage or who would like to discuss education, provision of services or employment opportunities that may exist in the future.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project, or would just like to discuss the project, you can contact our team directly by email to info@firmpower.com.au or calling 1300 521 328.

For all enquiries please email
info@firmpower.com.au

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