June 16th, 2025:

Enervest, in partnership with Energy Vault, has cemented a suite of long-term commitments to the Narrabri and broader regional NSW community. These commitments form the foundation of an ambitious Social Licence framework, ensuring the Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) delivers enduring social, economic, and cultural outcomes across the life of the project. 

The framework spans workforce development, local procurement, First Nations participation, and education pathways, all designed to embed the project within the fabric of the region and ensure the benefits are felt well beyond construction.

Delivering Long-Term Value to Community Development

The project will deliver two cornerstone community initiatives over a 14-year period:

• Community Development Fund – $420,000
• Indigenous Services Support – $1,050,000

Enervest and Energy Vault will work closely with local councils, Traditional Owners, and community groups to direct these funds toward high impact areas identified by these groups, with a focus on education, wellbeing, inclusion, and community resilience.

Education and Skills Building for Local Residents

Once operational, the project will partner with Narrabri TAFE to deliver training programs for up to 10 participants. Courses under consideration include:

• Diploma of Project Management
• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
• Diplomas in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Horticulture Management, and Logistics

These programs aim to strengthen local employment readiness and build long-term capability within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Supporting Regional Industry Through Local Procurement

• The project’s procurement strategy will prioritise local and regional suppliers to maximise economic benefit. Key targets include:
• Approximately $100 million in local goods and services during development and construction
• $26 million in local spending during operations and maintenance
• 100% of project steel sourced from Australian suppliers for project construction activities

This approach supports job creation, drives regional growth, and strengthens domestic supply chains.

Workforce Inclusion and Development Targets

Inclusive workforce targets have been set for the construction phase:

• 20% of the workforce to be Learning Workers
• 15% drawn from underrepresented groups
• 20% of all trade’s roles filled by apprentices

These targets will be supported by tailored training, mentoring, and career progression pathways for local workers and students.

First Nations Participation and Engagement

The Social Licence framework includes strong, measurable commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation:

• 1.5% of total project value to be spent with First Nations businesses
• 5.0% of total workforce to be comprised of First Nations individuals
• $320,000 allocated to targeted training and employment support

These commitments reflect Enervest’s ongoing collaboration with the Narrabri Aboriginal Land Council and the Gomeroi community to foster respectful engagement and inclusive economic participation.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Together, Enervest and Energy Vault are striving to establish best practices for meaningful community engagement within the energy sector. By embedding these commitments into project planning, they aim to ensure that Narrabri and the surrounding region are not only beneficiaries of the Stoney Creek BESS, but active participants in its success. 

All media enquiries contact:
Marcus Thompson: +61 474 857 687
marcus.thompson@enervest.wpengine.com

The 125MW / 1,000MWh Stoney Creek Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which recently secured a prestigious 14-year Long-Term Energy Services Agreement (LTESA) from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Services, is set to be acquired and funded through a landmark agreement with NYSE-listed global energy storage solutions provider, Energy Vault.

The Stoney Creek BESS with an estimated construction value of AUD $350 million, demonstrates Enervest’s ability to develop high-quality energy projects while securing strategic funding and partnerships. It strengthens Australia’s energy backbone, enhances grid reliability, and delivers real benefits to local communities by supporting jobs, driving regional development, and ensuring a more resilient energy future.

February 28th, 2025:

Stoney Creek BESS, located in Narrabri, NSW is a 1000 Megawatt-hour battery connected with a 125MW connection, creating an 8-hour battery system.

As part of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Services’ NSW Long Duration Storage tender, Stoney Creek BESS contributes to strengthening grid reliability, system resilience, and network stability. The selection of Stoney Creek BESS as an LTESA project underscores the strategic importance of the project in advancing Australia’s energy transition.

The Stoney Creek BESS is one of the largest battery storage projects in New South Wales and will play a pivotal role in the State’s energy transition, providing large-scale, dispatchable storage capacity to support grid reliability and renewable integration. By balancing energy generation and enhancing system resilience, Stoney Creek BESS will contribute to wholesale price stability, reinforcing the energy market benefits outlined in AEMO Services’ tender outcomes.

Now that the LTESA has been formally awarded, we can confidently move forward with the detailed design and relevant pre-construction activities, noting that the project site is fully secured, we are already engaging with the community and moving through final regulatory approvals.

Enervest Managing Director, Ross Warby, emphasised the project’s significance:

“Stoney Creek BESS being awarded the LTESA is a pivotal step in delivering critical infrastructure that drives Australia’s energy transition, economic growth, and long-term system reliability. The Stoney Creek BESS is a key step in scaling Australia’s storage capacity to meet rising demand for flexible, low-carbon energy solutions. We recognise AEMO Services’ leadership in advancing projects that strengthen Australia’s energy future as well as consortium partner Energy Vault’s expertise in battery technology, software and system design.”

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