Pinnacles BESS
Pinnacles 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.
Project Overview
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The proposed Pinnacles BESS will be located in the Townsville City Council area, approximately 30 kilometres south of Townsville.
The BESS will include an up to 450 megawatt (MW) battery, with a total storage capacity of up to 900 megawatt hours (MWh). It will connect to the existing 275 kV Powerlink Ross-Strathmore transmission line via a new substation to be developed onsite.
The proposed Pinnacles BESS is currently in the development and approvals phase. A Development Application (DA) has been submitted to Townsville City Council, and as part of this process, the application has been placed on public notification, providing an opportunity for stakeholders and community members to provide feedback until 27 March 2025.
We have also met with the North Queensland Land Council representing the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba People, the Traditional Owners of the land on which the project will be constructed. We will engage 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. We will be holding a community drop-in session on Thursday 6 March. For more information, please see below.
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1
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Analysis and Planning
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2
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Development Approval
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3
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Grid Connection Approval
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4
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Construction
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5
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Operate and Maintain
- Development commencement
- November 2022
- Expected completion
- September 2023
- Stage description
Perform due diligence including site visits and report preparation. Begin preliminary engagement with community, relevant authorities & key stakeholders.
- Development commencement
- September 2023
- Expected completion
- Q2 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.
- Development commencement
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- Expected completion
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- 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.
- Development commencement
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- Expected completion
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- 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.
- Development commencement
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- Expected completion
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- 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.
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Community Engagement
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Enervest values engaging, supporting and investing in its local communities.
We will be hosting a Community Drop-in Session for the Pinnacles Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project as part of our ongoing community engagement efforts. You and your household are welcome to drop in at any time during the session — no registration is required.
This is an opportunity to speak directly with the project team, ask questions, receive updates on the project, and learn more about how the project is progressing.
Session Details:
Date: Thursday, 6 March 2025
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 PM & 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Venue: Community Gro, 1/43 Allambie Ln, Rasmussen QLD 4815Stay 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.
A BESS is typically comprised of groups of battery modules housed in containers and connected to power conversion systems and control equipment. Typically, BESS units are housed in shipping containers up to 3.5 metres high, with connected switchgear buildings and main transformers measuring up to 7 metres.
Additional information about BESS technology and safety can be found in this factsheet.
Frequently Asked Questions – Pinnacles BESS
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How can I find out more about the project?
Please contact the pinnacles@enervest.com.au email address for specific queries or to subscribe to project updates. You can also visit our website at https://enervest.com.au/project/pinnacles-bess/
What is a BESS?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.
Who owns the BESS? / Who is Enervest?Enervest is an Australian-owned and operated company specialising in the design, construction and operation of energy generation and storage assets. They are currently developing several battery projects including the Pinnacles BESS.
What will the BESS look like?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.
How tall will the on-site structures be?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.
How long will the BESS operate?It is expected that the BESS facility will operate for at least 20 years. The BESS is intended to have an operational life of up to 40 years and, depending on the selected technology components, may be replaced and/or upgraded to extend this timeframe.
What is the battery recycling and decommissioning plan?Following the end of their economic life, above ground components will be removed and re-purposed where possible, and the site will be decommissioned. This may involve rehabilition and recontouring of the land, 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.
Will I be able to see the BESS from my property?The proposed site is in an isolated location on a large block, and is unlikely to be visible from outside of the property we intend to construct the BESS on. This is because of the lay of the land, vegetation, and the location of the Ross River dam wall.
How much noise will the BESS create?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.
How long will construction last?Construction of the BESS is expected to take between twelve and eighteen months. We will provide updates in the lead up to and during construction.
What environmental studies will you undertake?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 Townsville City 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
How will you manage environmental impacts during construction?During construction, some of the key construction impacts may include:
- Traffic: Construction traffic will be managed through a Traffic Management Plan (TMP)
- Noise: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.
How will you manage bushfire risks during operation of the BESS?The safety of our workers and the broader 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.
How much traffic will the BESS generate during Construction and Operation?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.
How can I have a say on the project?We welcome feedback about the project at any stage throughout the development process. Please contact Enervest via pinnacles@enervest.com.au to have your say.
How will you work with First Nations groups?Enervest seeks to ensure the protection and conservation of places of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance. Enervest has commenced engagement with the North Queensland Land Council representing the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba People with the intention of working together to deliver this project with a mutually beneficial approach.
How can local businesses or individuals get involved?Enervest encourage local businesses who wish to be involved in the project to contact Enervest. via pinnacles@enervest.com.au to register your interest and to arrange a meeting.
How will the project benefit the local community?Similar-sized projects have generated significant investment for local communities throughout construction and operation. Additionally, BESS installations and can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the area.
A BESS also 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.
We want to hear your ideas about how the Project can contribute to benefits for your community. Please contact Enervest via pinnacles@enervest.com.au to share your ideas, or get in touch via the form on our website.
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.
Reach out today with any questions about this, or any other, Enervest project.
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