BESS FAQs

Battery Energy Storage System

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This guide provides general information about how Tilt Renewables develops, builds and
operates Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities.

About Tilt Renewables

Tilt Renewables, part of leading Australian-owned renewable energy consortium, Powering
Australian Renewables (PowAR) is an owner, operator and developer of renewable energy
and storage projects in Australia. We are now the largest owner of wind and solar generation
in Australia – and the largest renewable energy generator after Snowy Hydro.
We strive to be the leading investor in, and owner of, largescale renewable generation
in Australia. In doing so, we support Australia’s transition to a clean energy economy.
We bring decades of experience with a demonstrated commitment to the communities
where we operate, to ensure we continue to support regional Australia’s prosperity
through the energy transition.
Our operating assets include the 199 MW Silverton Wind Farm, the 10 MW Blayney Wind Farm,
the 5 MW Crookwell Wind Farm, the 102 MW Nyngan Solar Plant and the 53 MW Broken Hill
Solar Plant in NSW; 54 MW Salt Creek Wind Farm in Victoria; and the 101 MW Snowtown Wind
Farm in South Australia. We are also in the final stages of construction / commissioning on
the 336 MW Dundonnell Wind Farm in Victoria and the 453 MW Coopers Gap Wind Farm in
Queensland (as at January 2022).
While our team of around 50 people is headquartered in Melbourne,
you will find many of us out in the locations where our projects are
proposed or operating, as we continue to build on our role as an
active member of the communities and regions where we operate.
 BESS Technology
BESS facilities provide an opportunity to store energy generated from another source. BESS facilities are key to
improving grid reliability for energy by storing low-cost electricity (such as renewable energy) when there is an
oversupply or during periods of low demand so that electricity is available when demand is higher. BESS facilities can
also stabilise the grid during frequency disruptions and help reduce the frequency of blackouts and the need for load
shedding in instances of supply imbalance.

BESS facilities typically consist of several key components including battery units or ‘enclosures’, inverters and
transformers. The final configuration of a BESS facility will depend on the BESS technology, BESS supplier and required
output.

BESS facilities most commonly use lithium-ion to store the electricity until it is ready to be distributed to the network,
however there are a variety of technologies available to store the electricity including sodium ion, molten-state (such
as sodium sulphur) and others.

Where possible, BESS facilities are co-located with or near a grid connection point (such as a terminal station),
therefore minimising the need for additional connection infrastructure.

Victoria’s energy transformation

Centralised fossil fuel production Large-scale sustainable production

2
BESS Lifecycle
There are four key phases in a BESS facilities lifecycle. As a developer, owner and operator, Tilt Renewables
is involved in all phases.

Project
development
& approvals

Construction
& commissioning
Decommissioning

Operation

Project Development and Approvals

From finding the right location to obtaining approvals and finalising a design – a lot of work goes into developing a BESS.
Key activities in BESS development include:

• Feasibility studies

• Grid connection studies

• Site investigations

• Consultation with local Council and government agencies

• Establishing agreements with landowners

• Planning and environmental studies and approvals

• Detailed design of the BESS

• Preparation of management plans in accordance with the development approval

• Investment decision and raising equity to fund the Project

• Procurement of contractors and BESS components

 What’s involved in designing a BESS?
BESS facilities are designed in consideration of a range of technical, community and environmental factors including:

• Proximity and connectivity to the grid

• Safety
• Relevant standards, guidelines and legislations
• Constructability – whether the design is practical to build
• Potential environmental and heritage impacts
• Operations and maintenance requirements
• Project costs

What planning and environmental approval process is undertaken

for a BESS Project?
Depending on the BESS location, local, state and/or federal government approvals may be required.

What environmental studies do you undertake to ensure impacts are

identified and avoided or minimised?
As part of early feasibility of a BESS, we identify key environmental constraints across a project area that informs
the BESS design with the aim of minimising environmental impacts where possible.

To support the planning and environmental approvals process for a BESS, detailed environmental assessments are
undertaken by technical specialists to assess the potential impacts and associated mitigation measures. The extent
to which these environmental assessments are required are based on the location and jurisdiction of the BESS, but
typically include:

• Biodiversity
• Cultural heritage
• Noise
• Traffic
• Landscape and visual
• Hydrology
• Bushfire and/or Hazard

4
Construction and commissioning
At Tilt Renewables, we work closely with our contractors, neighbours, local councils and communities to plan and
manage construction responsibly.

We are committed to reducing construction impacts on communities and environment and keeping people safe whilst
we work. Some of the ways we do this include:

• Working during standard construction hours where possible

• Monitoring and actively managing construction activities
• Using well-maintained equipment
• Meeting requirements set out in planning conditions, legislation, industry standards and guidelines
• Regular communication with the surrounding community and local Council
• A strong safety culture and clear procedures

How long does it take to build a BESS?

The size of the BESS will typically determine the construction period, however, can typically take between 6 to 12 months.

How do you make sure construction is undertaken responsibly?

There are a range of requirements, standards and guidelines in place to ensure construction is well planned and
effectively managed. Requirements are set by government authorities, developed as part of the planning process and
built into the construction contract that Tilt Renewables has with the construction contractor.

Management plans are developed to ensure all requirements are understood and addressed.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) provides a ‘guidebook’ for workers on site. It sets out
the approach to managing all aspects of construction including working hours, safety and security, water and dust
management, noise and vibration controls and traffic.

Other environmental management plans (e.g. an Environment Management Plan) identifies potential impacts and the
strategies and plans in place to manage impacts and meet requirements. It ensures that appropriate environmental
management practices are followed.
 What should I expect during construction?

TRAFFIC
Peak traffic movements associated with a BESS will occur during construction. A Traffic Management Plan
(TMP) is developed in consultation with the relevant road authority to ensure that construction traffic
is appropriately managed. We use major highways and main roads where possible and local roads where
necessary to access the construction site.

WORKING HOURS
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in each state recommends standard construction hours. This is
generally around 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

NOISE
Construction noise targets are guided by state or territory legislation. If construction activities on one of our
projects is expected to exceed the noise targets at any time, we put mitigation measures in place 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.

Using well maintained equipment and machinery, minimising noise from vehicle reversing beepers, turning off
machinery that is not in use and putting speed limits in place to minimise engine noise, are some other measures
used to reduce noise from our sites.

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.

SAFETY
Safety is our first priority. We work closely with our construction contractors and Health and Safety
Management Plans are developed to drive safe construction practices and ensure that potential risks are
identified, mitigated and communicated to workers. All staff and contractors undertake mandatory training
in safety and emergency procedures before starting work on site.

Operation
Grid scale BESS facilities are generally expected to have an operational life of approximately 15 to 20 years and are
typically monitored remotely, without the requirement of permanent staff on site. Staff are however required to
access the site from time to time to undertake inspection and maintenance activities.

What BESS model will you use

The preferred BESS supplier and model will be selected as part of the financial decision process for the Project.
The chosen BESS supplier and model will influence the final design of the BESS, as BESS models can vary in size,
shape and configuration. However, the planning and approvals process considers indicative parameters and design
to ensure the potential ‘worst case’ impacts of the Project are assessed.

6
What does a BESS look like?
BESS facilities are typically containerised, modular systems that can be configured based on specific site and
capacity requirements. However, BESS technology is continuously evolving, with BESS components becoming
increasingly more efficient and compact in size.

If required, BESS facilities can be screened (by either vegetative or artificial means) to minimise any potential
visual impacts.

How do BESS facilities connect into the Grid?

BESS facilities connect to the grid either via an overhead or underground transmission
connection to a nearby terminal station or substation.
 Are BESS facilities a fire risk?
Fire mitigation at the battery cell level is achieved through appropriate battery cell design and certification.

BESS facilities are equipped with Battery Management Systems (BMS) that monitor the operational and fault status
of the system for all parameters required to ensure safe operation of the BESS, including State of Charge (SOC),
voltage, current, power limits, and temperatures. Parameters are monitored at the appropriate level of the battery cell,
module and rack as applicable. The BMS functions to prevent potential fires by shutting down battery modules / racks
if monitored conditions are outside of those permissible for safe operation.

Different BESS suppliers have differences in the specific integrated fire monitoring and control systems.
However, all BESS facilities must comply with the relevant guidelines, standards and conditions of any issued
approval and operate in accordance with the legislation applicable to each BESS facilities jurisdiction.

Risk management of a BESS facility is typically undertaken by way of a Risk Management Plan in conjunction with the
relevant fire authority that identifies, assesses and outlines controls for the management of on-site and off-site risks
at the BESS facility.

The emergency procedures for a BESS facility are typically developed in conjunction with the relevant fire authority,
and outlined in an Emergency Management Plan

BESS facilities are protected

Most issues are
by multiple systems that take
addressed at this stage
every earliest opportunity to
and it’s extremely rare
prevent a fire. This diagram is
an issue will progress
an example of the cascading
beyond this point
controls of a BESS

8
 Will the BESS leak
chemicals?
Chemical hazards from BESS facilities can
arise from acid or corrosive components
leaking from a BESS. To mitigate against this risk,
appropriate containment measures such as bunding,
spill trays and chemical absorbents are installed to
prevent the event of a chemical leak.

Chemical hazards or ‘dangerous goods’ are

typically identified and addressed by way
of a Hazard Assessment and Emergency
Management Plan (or equivalent).
 Will I be able to hear a BESS? Decibels (dB)

Like other utility scale facilities, BESS facilities have the potential to 150
generate some sound. The main source of the sound is the cooling 140
fans required to regulate the operating temperature of the individual
battery cells. The sound they make is similar to an air conditioning unit 130
or a dull whirring noise.
120
Detailed noise studies are undertaken by specialist consultants who
110
apply authorised environmental noise guidelines to measure noise
levels during project development to ensure that noise generated will 100
be within the applicable noise limits.
90
Once operating, BESS facilities are required to meet strict noise
requirements which are put in place through the planning process and 80
comply with the relevant noise protocols and/or guidelines.
70
Diagram: Typical BESS noise levels are 45dB approx. 200m from
60
the facility.
50
40
30
20
10

What does MW and MWh mean?

MW means megawatts and is the measurement of the rated power capacity of a BESS, being the total possible
instantaneous discharge capability starting from a fully charged state. MWh means megawatt-hours and is the
measure of the storage duration of a BESS, being the amount of time energy can discharge at its power capacity before
depleting its energy capacity. For example, a BESS with 100 MW of power capacity and 400 MHh of usable energy
capacity will have a storage duration of four hours.

Decommissioning
When a BESS reaches the end of its life, the facility can be decommissioned and the area returned to its original
condition. Decommissioning of a BESS facility will likely involve:

• Dismantling and removing the BESS facility infrastructure

• Removing related infrastructure
• Rehabilitation of the site
The BESS operator will be responsible for the decommissioning of the BESS. Requirements for decommissioning
– such as reinstating the land – are set out in contracts with landowners and in planning approvals.

Details of the decommissioning process are typically outlined by way of a Decommissioning Management Plan,
that is prepared just prior to a BESS being decommissioned and identifies all infrastructure, equipment, buildings
and structures to be removed and details of how these will be removed.

Decommissioning of a BESS facility will be undertaken in accordance with the applicable regulations that govern
the safe transport and disposition of used equipment or waste. Where possible, balance of plant material (such as
steel and concrete) will be recycled. Whilst inverters, control systems and other electronic equipment may be more
challenging to recycle, useful materials from these components can often be recovered.

Whilst the research and opportunities for recycling BESS components is in its infancy, the industry continues
to develop processes that are in line with circular economy principles: cradle to-cradle design, achieving 100%
recyclability, designing out waste and using recycled inputs.

10
Employment
Construction in the renewable energy sector creates jobs on site and in businesses that supply the projects,
directly or indirectly.

What kind of jobs do BESS facilities create during construction?

Construction creates an economic boost for regional communities by increasing demand for local goods and services.
Typical jobs created during construction include:

• General labourers
• BESS installers
• Concrete suppliers
• Accommodation providers
• Local pubs, hotels, food service providers

What kind of jobs do BESS

facilities create during
operation?
During the operation of a BESS,
employment is generally limited
to inspection and maintenance
activities by the BESS operator.

Is there work for local people and businesses?

We are committed to employing local people and buying local wherever possible. We are always on the look
out to build new working relationships in the industry and encourage you to register your services / business
on our Goods & Services Register.

Tilt Renewables, as the owner of the BESS facility, will not typically be directly employing workers, this will be done
by our delivery partners and contractors (and their sub-contractors).

You can contact them directly when they are appointed or register your interest on our Goods & Services Register
and we will pass your details onto the appropriate delivery partner or contractor when appointed.
 WORKING WITH COMMUNITIES

What economic benefits can a BESS create for local community?

Local community benefits can include:
• boost to the local and regional economy and local businesses
• jobs during construction
• direct payments to landowners
• wider community benefit sharing such as education and training programs

How do you keep people informed about the Project?

We use a range of tools to keep people up to date. These include:
• Website – dedicated project page
• meetings, phone calls, emails and/or letters to anyone directly affected
• newsletters
• fact sheets
• updates during construction
• meetings with relevant Council, government agencies and community groups

How do you involve communities in planning for, and making decisions

about, a BESS?
We are committed to positive engagement practices and ongoing engagement throughout all stages of a project’s
life – from site selection through to decommissioning. We engage with local councils, landowners, neighbours and
surrounding communities as early as possible, keeping people informed and involving people in decisions that they
are able to influence, such as benefit sharing initiatives. We also encourage our community stakeholders to sign up
to our project newsletters to make sure they stay up to date with projects as they progress.

BENEFIT SHARING
Tilt Renewables is committed to giving back to and enhancing our host communities
by sharing the benefits of all our projects.
We are always exploring innovative and place-appropriate ideas for how best to share the benefits of a Project with
the community, with key focus areas often including support towards education and training programs.
We welcome ideas from the community and encourage you to get in touch using the details in the footer below.

SUBSCRIBE
Sign up for project updates to keep abreast of our latest Dalvui
BESS project as it progresses. Hover over the QR code to visit the
project webpage, or send us an email and we’ll add you to the list.
dalvuibess@tiltrenewables.com
www.dalvuibess.com

Contact us:
Web: www.tiltrenewables.com | Email: info@tiltrenewables.com | Phone: 1800 WE TILT (938 458)
Postal Address: PO Box 16080, Collins St West, Melbourne VIC 8007 | Version: January 2022