Hazeldean BESS

A 400MW battery project situated 100 kilometres northwest of Brisbane.

Introducing Hazeldean

Hazeldean is one of several Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects being developed by Enervest in Queensland.

These projects use innovative technology to store excess electricity for later release into the grid. Large-scale batteries play a crucial role in the integration of renewable energy sources to the grid, which results in enhanced network stability, economic generation and increased environmental sustainability.

400MW
BESS Capacity
1600MWh
BESS Storage
275kV
Grid Connection
22 hectares
Project Area

Project Overview

The proposed Hazeldean BESS will be located in the Somerset Regional Council area, approximately 100 kilometres northwest of Brisbane.

The BESS will include an 400-megawatt (MW) battery, with a total storage capacity of up to 1600 megawatt hours (MWh). It will connect to an existing 275 kV Powerlink transmission line via a new substation to be developed onsite.

The proposed Hazeldean BESS is currently in the development and approvals phase. A Development Application has been submitted and Enervest are continuing to work with Somerset Council to progress the application. We have also met with the Jinibara People, the Traditional Owners of the land on which the project will be constructed, and will work with them throughout development of the project.

We will continue to keep the community and stakeholders up to date with the project as it progresses, including opportunities to discuss the proposal in person. For more information, please see the Community Engagement section below.

 

Project progress

  • Analysis and Planning
    Completed
  • 2
    Development Approval
    In progress
  • 3
    Grid Connection Approval
    Prepare
  • 4
    Construction
    Prepare
  • 5
    Operate & Maintain
    Prepare
Stage 1
Analysis and Planning
Completed 100 / 100 (%)
Development Commencement
01 January 2024
Expected Completion
01 January 2024
Stage Description
Perform due diligence including site visits and report preparation. Begin preliminary engagement with community, relevant authorities & key stakeholders.
Stage 2
Development Approval
In progress 50 / 100 (%)
Development Commencement
27 April 2023
Expected Completion
01 June 2025
Stage Description
Continued community & stakeholder engagement, preparation of specialist studies and planning reports. Submission of the Development Application and receipt of a decision from the QLD DHLGPPW.
Stage 3
Grid Connection Approval
Prepare 0 / 100 (%)
Stage Description
Perform due diligence, prepare preliminary design package, prepare GPS studies as per NER, NSP & AEMO rules. Submit CA package and execute offer to connect.
Stage 4
Construction
Prepare 0 / 100 (%)
Stage Description
EPC/Integrator selection, approval of management plans and site preparation. Installation of battery units & inverters, installation of substation & auxiliary infrastructure and testing & commissioning.
Stage 5
Operate & Maintain
Prepare 0 / 100 (%)
Stage Description
Monitoring of system performance, regular inspections and preventive maintenance of BESS & substation infrastructure. Refurbishment and decommissioning activities to be reviewed & actioned accordingly on an ongoing basis.

Planning Update

We recently lodged our response to Council’s Further Advice Notice, on March 3 2025. This submission includes additional technical assessments and design changes, including reducing the size of the proposed battery.

To ensure that it is easy to access and understand the information in our response, we have prepared summaries of our latest key technical reports.

The fact sheets summarise how we have considered and addressed:

The full submission package is available at Council’s Website (Property Information). If you would like to meet with us to discuss the battery, please call (07) 2102 4250 or get in touch with us using the links below.

Community Benefits Survey

The Hazeldean Battery project, if approved, will deliver a program of community benefits customised for the Hazeldean and Kilcoy area, shaped by your feedback. We recently held a Community Benefits Survey. We are using this feedback to inform our Community Benefits Strategy.

Based on detailed research, focus groups and survey responses received to date, we are considering a number of initiatives including:

  • funding for key community projects;
  • benefits for nearby residents;
  • sponsorship of local events and cultural initiatives;
  • education and training support for local students pursuing careers in renewable energy, environmental science or related fields; and
  • partnerships with local business.

These initiatives are expected to provide at least $75,000 per year worth of benefits to the Hazeldean and Kilcoy area. We will continue to update this page as we use the community’s feedback to finalise the Community Benefits Strategy.

You can also subscribe to email updates to receive information about our Community Benefits Strategy straight to your inbox.

Community engagement

Enervest values engaging, supporting, and investing in its local communities.

We will continue to keep the community and stakeholders up to date with the project as it progresses, including opportunities to discuss the proposal in person.

Stay informed by registering for project updates to receive the latest project information and updates on engagement activities, by completing the Get In Touch form below.

Or for other enquiries, call us on (07) 2102 4250.

Battery Energy Storage Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact the hazeldean@enervest.wpengine.com email address for specific queries or to subscribe to project updates.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) stores electrical energy in batteries for later use, providing backup power, grid stabilization, and integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Large batteries work by storing excess electricity supply during low demand periods and delivering power back to the grid during peak times. This helps to shore- up the intermittent supply of renewable energy (wind and solar), reducing blackouts and stabilising power prices.

Enervest is an Australian-owned and operated company founded in 2008 and specialising in the design, construction and operation of energy generation and storage assets. They are currently developing 21 battery projects across eastern Australia, including the Hazeldean BESS.

A BESS is typically comprised of arrays (or groups) of battery modules that are housed in containers or enclosures, connected to power conversion systems and control equipment. BESS facilities are typically containerised, modular systems that can be configured based on specific site and capacity requirements. The project planning phase will consider whether the BESS facilities can be screened (by either vegetative or artificial means) to minimise any potential visual impacts, if required.

Typically, the BESS units are housed in shipping containers that are approximately 6m long, 2.5m wide and 3-3.5m high. The switchgear buildings and the main transformers are around 6m and 7m high respectively.

It is expected that the BESS facility will operate for at least 40 years and, depending on the selected technology components, may be replaced and/or upgraded to extend this timeframe.

Following the end of their economic life, above ground components would be removed and re-purposed where possible, and the land rehabilitated and recontoured, if and as required. Battery recycling and decommissioning involves safely extracting reusable materials from spent batteries, minimizing environmental impact, and disposing of hazardous components responsibly, often through specialized recycling facilities or programs.

Construction noise levels will be kept in line with relevant legislation, with noise generating activities scheduled to occur during the day. Operational BESS facilities have the potential to generate some sound associated with the cooling fans required to regulate the operating temperature of individual battery cells. Once operating, the BESS will be required to meet strict noise requirements and comply with the relevant noise standards and/or guidelines.

Construction of the BESS is expected to take between twelve and eighteen months. There are long lead items that might affect the project’s construction schedule, and we will provide updates in the lead up to and during construction.

An Environment and Ecology Assessment, taking into consideration the occurrence of matters of national environmental significance (MNES) has been undertaken with relevant findings provided to Somerset Regional Council as part of the Development Application. An Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) self-assessment study has also been undertaken with a not controlled action being a likely outcome.

 

The Development Application is accompanied by several environmental impact studies such as:

 

  • – Biodiversity
  • – Cultural heritage
  • – Noise and vibration
  • – Traffic impact assessment
  • – Ground/surface water and flood risk
  • – Waste management

A Construction Management Plan will be prepared prior to construction starting.

 

During construction, some of the key construction impacts may include:

 

Traffic: Construction traffic will be managed through a Traffic Management Plan (TMP)

Noise: Construction and operational noise will meet Queensland EPA requirements. Increased noise will be managed by putting in place measures to limit the impact on local residents as much as possible. This may include scheduling works so that noisier activities occur at times when they will have the least impact.

Social and economic: During construction, you may find more people and vehicles around town and on the roads. This additional temporary workforce will assist in providing local towns an economic boost through spending on accommodation, food and local goods and services.

The safety of all workers and the local community will always be our priority. We will work with the Rural Fire Service to ensure site design and preparedness meet community and RFS expectations.

 

The design and installation of the battery system will be undertaken in accordance with relevant Australian Standards, fire safety and emergency services guidelines and will be operated in accordance with the manufacturers requirements. A site operational management plan will be prepared by the service provider detailing information regarding procedures to be implemented in the event of a fire. Key mitigation measures include maintaining a fire break around the facility and having onsite fire water tanks.

During construction it is expected that there will be a peak of up to 80 people on site at any one time with associated traffic, excluding deliveries. During operation it is expected that there will be up to 7 people on site at any one time with the facility sometimes operating remotely with no personnel on site.

Please contact Enervest via hazeldean@enervest.wpengine.com to have your say or get in touch via the contact form at the bottom of this web page.

Enervest has started early engagement with the Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation with the intension of working together to deliver this project with a mutually beneficial approach.

Please contact Enervest via hazeldean@enervest.wpengine.com or go to the Local Supplier Register on our website to register your interest.

A BESS benefits the local community by enhancing grid stability, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting renewable energy integration, which can lead to lower electricity costs, improved energy reliability, and reduced environmental impact, fostering a cleaner and more resilient energy infrastructure.

 

Similar-sized projects have generated significant investment for local communities throughout construction and operation. and can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the area. The Hazeldean BESS is expected to create approximately 80 jobs at the peak of construction, plus ongoing roles in monitoring and maintenance.

 

We are developing a Community Benefits Program in consultation with Council and the community over coming months. We want to hear your ideas about how the Project can contribute to benefits for your community. Please contact Enervest via hazeldean@enervest.wpengine.com to share your ideas, or get in touch via the contact form at the bottom of this web page.

Enervest has been an Australian owned and operated leader in the Australian renewable energy industry since 2008. Enervest specialises in the design, construction and operation of energy generation and storage assets, and is capitalising on its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) proficiency, extensive industry experience, and market acumen to develop a comprehensive portfolio of BESS assets across all regions within the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Enervest’s approach to governance, due diligence and professionalism coupled with a combined 30 years of history in design, installation and maintenance of renewable energy projects, position Enervest uniquely to continue to lead the industry during the biggest energy transition since the early last century.

Get in touch

Enervest are encouraging the local community to get involved in the project through the planning process and are committed to engaging with the community as the project progresses. Your input is crucial in shaping the development, please reach out today with any questions about this, or any other Enervest project. Contact us by this form or call (07) 2102 4250.

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