Orana BESS Artists Impression

Artists Impression

The artist’s impression provides a visualisation of how the BESS could look.

Project Timeline

  • 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 - complete

    Development - Post DA Lodgement

    After the Development Application (DA) is lodged, this phase focuses on responding to any feedback or conditions set by the authorities. The project team ensures all requirements are met and finalises preparations for the delivery phase. Completion occurs when the DA is successfully processed.

  • Timeline item 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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.


Akaysha is proposing to deploy a large-scale BESS near Wellington in central-west NSW. Known as the Orana BESS, it will have a capacity of 415MW and provide 4 hours or 1660MWh of energy storage. Akaysha is preparing to commence construction activities including road upgrades at the intersection of the site access. The Orana BESS will support capacity in the Central-Orana Renewable Energy Zone.


The proposed site is approximately 2km north-east of Wellington, adjacent to TransGrid’s 330kV zone substation as depicted below.

The BESS will occupy an area of ~10 hectares adjacent to the electricity grid and sharing a boundary with the TransGrid substation, this will reduce the need for high voltage power lines and visual impacts.


Wellington is located on a robust part of the TransGrid 330kV transmission system and within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) which is expected to host 3,000MW of new wind and solar generation. As conventional power plants retire over the next decade, batteries will play an increasingly important role in managing security of supply and addressing the intermittency of renewables, especially in areas of high-penetration such as the REZ.


Development Approval

On December 22 2023 the Orana BESS was granted Infrastructure Approval (SSD 45242780) by the NSW Minister for Planning. Following this approval, Akaysha Energy has begun an extensive consultation process with key project stakeholders to develop Management Plans appropriate to the Orana BESS project.

Environmental Impact Assessment documents:

News Updates

Map of Orana Substation

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