Overview
The Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage (BESS) Project is located approximately 10 km west of Parkes in New South. The project will comprise of the construction and operation of a 130 megawatt (MW) Battery Energy Storage System and related civil and electrical infrastructure. The project is targeted to commence at the end of 2025, with operations due to begin in early 2027. The estimated investment value of the proposed project would be more than $180 million.
The project will comprise of shipping containers which are fitted with the battery units and control equipment associated with inverters and power transformers. The layout will be arranged in a grid pattern with enough space to allow access around each unit. A substation will be constructed within the project area to enable connection via underground cabling to the closely located Parkes Substation, owned by Transgrid.
Key Project
Details
Status
under-development
Location
10km west of Parkes, NSW
Technology: BESS
260
MWh
Energy production
130
MW
Operational Capacity
Project Approvals
The Ridgey Creek BESS Project is approved as a State Significant Development in accordance with Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The Approvals set out conditions that must be complied with in undertaking the development. The conditions cover construction, operation, decommissioning, and administrative matters.
All related planning and approvals documentation is available at the NSW Major Projects Register, see here.
Project Timeline
Mid 2022
Project development and planning commenced
Atria Energy, joint developer of the project, commenced planning and development of the project, including submission of the project as State Significant Development in accordance with Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Early 2025
Acquisition of the project
Ridgey Creek BESS acquired by Potentia Energy from Atria Energy.
Mid 2025
Development Approvals obtained
The Ridgey Creek BESS Project is approved as a State Significant Development in accordance with Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Late 2025
Target commencement of construction
Targeted commencement of construction at the Ridgey Creek BESS site.
Early 2027
Targeted commencement of operations
Targeted completion of construction and commencement of operations for the Ridgey Creek BESS project.
Community Benefit
As part of our approach to community engagement for the project, we have entered a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with the Parkes Shire Council to support the local Council in delivering effective local initiatives to benefit the Parkes community.
Potentia Energy recognises that Ridgey Creek BESS will positively support the delivery of initiatives benefitting the local community, through development contributions that will be made as part of this VPA.
It’s intended for Potentia Energy, Parkes Council and local community representatives to discuss collaboratively how to most effectively frame the evaluation criteria for the selection of suitable projects. This will include factors such as scope and versatility of the project to deliver different community benefits, enhancement of social wellbeing, and improvement in education and skills in the local population. The intent for all funding is to have a lasting legacy within the local community.
Alongside the funding commitment via VPA, the project will implement Potentia Energy’s Creating Shared Value and Benefit Sharing initiatives, aiming to deliver positive local community outcomes.
Project Resources
The general resources below are intended to outline key project details, including facts and figures, and frequently asked questions for the Ridgey Creek BESS.Contact Us
Project Contact Us
Project Contact
Giulia Scataglini
Community Engagement and Sustainability Specialist
[email protected]
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