Nerriga Battery Energy Storage System

North Harbour Clean Energy recognises the Wandi Wandian and Murramarang peoples of the Yuin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which this project is located.

Project Overview

The proposed Nerriga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be capable of providing a power/ capacity of up to 600 MWand provide 4 hours or 2400MWh of energy storage. The project is located in Nerriga in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Local Government Area and is adjacent to existing 330kV Transgrid infrastructure, reducing the need for high voltage power lines and mitigating visual impacts. The BESS will improve grid stability and reliability by storing excess power and supplying it when demand is highest, supporting Australia’s transition to net-zero emissions. We are in the early planning phase of the project, which includes early community and stakeholder engagement activities that will help to shape the project design and assessment.

Planning and Environmental Approvals

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (Department) has provided the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). To view the SEARs for the project, please visit the Department’s Major Projects portal.

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Project Status

Planning Phase

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Capacity

600MW / 2400MWh

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Location

Nerriga, New South Wales

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Site Area

Approximately 60 Hectares

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Connection

Existing 330kV Transgrid Infrastructure

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Estimated Completion

2029

Site Selection

The site was chosen with a focus on minimising the impacts on the environment and the local community. Key advantages include:

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Existing transmission infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive high-voltage cabling and visual impacts.

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Adequate capacity on the grid and distribution system.

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Relatively flat, cleared land, minimising construction disturbances.

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A relatively small development footprint.

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Low potential for land use conflict.

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Good transport accessibility.

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Very few sensitive receivers in proximity to the Project, with the closest being more than 1km away, ensuring minimal disruption.

Nerriga, New South Wales

Project Timeline

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Site Selection

Potential project sites identified and evaluated based on criteria such as proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, environmental impact & land use.

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Feasibility

Detailed assessment of technical, economic and environmental viability of the projects – including grid capacity, financial modelling, planning and legal due diligence and risk analysis.

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Planning & Approvals

Preparing and submitting regulatory planning applications to relevant authorities. This phase includes comprehensive community consultation, environmental impact assessments and government agency engagement.

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Pre-construction

If the project receives regulatory approval, this process includes finalizing the detailed design, preparing management plans, securing contractors and arranging logistics in preparation for the physical commencement of construction.

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Construction

Physical building of the project, including site preparation works, installation of equipment and connection to the grid.

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Commissioning

After construction, the project undergoes comprehensive testing to verify that all components function safely, reliably, and in compliance before the system becomes operational.

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Operation

When the project passes the commissioning stage, it can become operational providing energy storage and discharge as required by the grid. Monitoring and maintenance are ongoing in this stage to ensure efficiency and safety.

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Decommissioning

At the end of the project’s operational life, the project will be safely dismantled and the site restored. In this stage project components and equipment are recycled or disposed of in line with environmental and regulatory requirements and the site is restored to pre-development condition.

Community Engagement

North Harbour are very interested in talking to members of the community who have an interest in or would like to provide feedback on the project. We are currently in the process of engaging with relevant local and state government agencies, local residents and community groups to better understand community views and perspectives as we progress the project design.

You can provide feedback on the proposed development via an online survey – we appreciate all feedback.