The artist’s impression provides a visualisation of how the BESS could look. The image is indicative only and is subject to change.
Timeline item 1 - complete
Development - Site Selection
During this phase, potential sites for the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are identified and evaluated based on criteria such as proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, environmental impact, land use, and community acceptance. Once the optimal site is chosen, this milestone is marked as complete.
Timeline item 2 - complete
Development - Feasibility
In this phase, a detailed assessment is conducted to determine the technical, economic, and environmental viability of the project. This includes analysing energy needs, grid connection possibilities, financial modeling, and risk analysis. Upon confirming that the project is feasible, the milestone is considered complete.
Timeline item 3 - complete
Development - Planning & Approvals
This phase involves preparing and submitting planning applications to relevant authorities. It includes community consultation, environmental impact assessments, and seeking approval from local councils and other regulatory bodies.
Timeline item 4 - active
Delivery - Pre-Construction
In this current phase, the project team prepares for the start of construction. This includes finalising designs, securing contractors, and arranging logistics. The transition to actual construction is carefully planned, and the project is now on track for physical implementation.
Timeline item 5 - incomplete
Delivery - Construction
This phase will involve the physical building of the BESS, including site preparation, installation of equipment, and connection to the grid. Safety, quality control, and timelines are crucial. This milestone will be reached once the BESS is fully built.
Timeline item 6 - incomplete
Operational
After construction, the BESS will become operational, providing energy storage and discharge as required by the grid or local energy needs. Monitoring and maintenance are ongoing to ensure efficiency and safety. This milestone will be reached once the BESS is fully operational.
Timeline item 7 - incomplete
Decomissioning
At the end of the BESS's operational life, this phase involves safely dismantling and removing the equipment, restoring the site, and responsibly disposing of materials. This ensures minimal environmental impact and compliance with regulatory standards.
The proposed Brinkworth Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will have a capacity of 250MW/1000MWh and provide up to 4 hours of energy storage.
Designed to store and generate electricity as part of the national electricity grid, the Brinkworth Project will help support Australia’s energy transition as a cost effective way of integrating renewable energy and ensuring that energy remains reliable and affordable.
The Project is proposed to be located 5km north west of the Brinkworth township, and directly adjacent to the Brinkworth Substation.
The Brinkworth Battery Energy Storage System will be developed as “exempt development” pursuant to Schedule 13 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. The planning approval exemption for the battery site was specified in the South Australian Government Gazette on 4 April 2024. This followed submission of an Expressions of Interest for Crown Sponsorship of new battery energy storage system (BESS) projects by the State Government to accelerate battery developments in South Australia.
Over the past six months, Akaysha Energy and Wind Prospect have engaged with government agencies, Regional Councils, Traditional Owner groups, landowners and neighbours, and other interested groups.
The Community Information Sessions held in May and October in Koolunga and Brinkworth were well attended. We would like to thank the community for their hospitality, and valuable feedback. The feedback provided by the community and stakeholder groups has helped us shape and refine the project.
A range of technical and environmental assessments have been conducted to understand the potential impacts and benefits for the project and where required identified measures to minimise any potential adverse impacts. These assessments include:
We would like to thank the members of the community for all the submissions received for the Community Sponsorship Fund. We are pleased to have provided sponsorships to the following community organisations.
The Brinkworth Yacka Management Committee submitted a proposal to support the installation of nets behind the goal posts at the Brinkworth Oval. The addition of nets will increase safety by reducing the need to retrieve balls from Stonecutters Road and the oval carpark.
The Brinkworth Community Pool Committee successfully applied for sponsorship to purchase a defibrillator, along with a cabinet and storage to ensure the safety of pool members.
The Development Association sought funds to purchase a first aid kit for the hall and also to support their annual Christmas function.
Brinkworth Koolunga Cricket Club
The club sought funds to supply all Junior members with a wide brim sun hat. This was an important opportunity to install good sun safe habits into the kids (and adults) to encourage them to wear a wide brim sun out as cricket is played in full sun in the hottest part of the day.
The Blyth Progress Association
The Blyth Progress Association sought funding for the construction of a section of walking trail which runs from Blyth to Brinkworth. The walking trail will be inclusive to all being wheelchair and pram friendly. The trail will provide another tourist attraction as well as attracting garden enthusiasts to the area.
Brinkworth, Spalding and Redhill (BSR) Football and Netball Club
Brinkworth, Spalding and Redhill (BSR) Football and Netball Club run a canteen by volunteers at the Brinkworth Recreation Ground throughout the footy and netball season, where money raised throughout the season goes back into the club. Akaysha energy granted a sponsorship to replace the fridge for the canteen.
We value the discussions and feedback we have received from the community as we have progressed the development of the Project. This type of feedback has helped us to refine the project’s design and the environmental assessments that we undertake.
We will be continuing to meet with people near the project, as well as Wakefield Regional Council, Port Pirie Council, State and Federal Government bodies and other interested individuals and groups.
We are actively looking to work with local tradespeople , contractors, suppliers and service providers through construction and operations. If you are interested in working with us, please register your interest at Trade & Supplier Application
Akaysha Energy held community information sessions in the Koolunga Institute and Brinkworth Memorial Hall on 8 May and 11 October 2023, and again in August 2024. These sessions offered the opportunity for locals to learn more about the project, meet the project team, and have face to face conversations with us to share local knowledge and perspectives about the proposed project.
We would like to thank everyone who came along to our community information session in May and October and shared their thoughts and perspectives with the project team! We were very happy with the turnout across the four sessions and really enjoyed meeting everyone. Our project team recorded the input, advice, local knowledge and feedback about the proposed project from the many productive conversations we had with the local members of the community. This type of early feedback helps us to refine the project’s design and the environmental assessments that will be undertaken.
Akaysha Energy proposes to develop a renewable energy facility comprising a big battery and a solar farm.
The solar farm component has a nominal output solar capacity 209MWp and is estimated to generate approximately 454 GWh of renewable electricity each year, enough to power 55,000 homes in South Australia. The project will be developed in two stages, with the battery component being developed first from 2025 and the solar farm developed thereafter, and dependent on market conditions.
The Brinkworth Project is located on land currently used for cropping and has a number of characteristics that make it an ideal site.
Community Engagement Session
Koolunga Institute
Community Engagement Session
Brinkworth Memorial Hall
Akaysha Energy
Level 7, 22 Gordon Street
Cremorne, VIC
community@akayshaenergy.com
ww.akayshaenergy.com
Apply now for the Community Small Grants Program! We support local projects and initiatives that make a difference.
Akaysha acknowledges and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Nation’s first people and recognises their traditional relationship with Country. As an energy company, we acknowledge the importance of respecting and nurturing the environment. We are committed to working in harmony with Indigenous communities and honouring their traditional knowledge in our pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
Akaysha is dedicated to promoting reconciliation, understanding, and collaboration with Indigenous peoples. We are grateful for the opportunity to operate on this land and strive to uphold the values of respect, integrity and environmental stewardship in our endeavours.
