Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about our project here

About the Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”)

1. What is Red Gully BESS? How does it work?

A utility-scale BESS such as Red Gully BESS is a standalone facility that converts and stores electrical energy in large batteries for later use. The facility will connect directly to the high-voltage transmission lines of the South West Interconnected System (“SWIS”), Western Australia’s largest and primary electricity grid.

2. What are the benefits of Red Gully BESS?

Transmission-connected energy storage, such as Red Gully BESS, is essential to unlocking large-scale renewable energy generation. It acts to match the intermittent and at times unpredictable nature of renewables to the electricity demands of the people of WA. At the same time, BESS that are strategically located at key points (Terminals) on the network, such as Red Gully BESS, also act to de-constrain the transmission network. They can regulate power quality and stability of the network on a real-time basis, a function that traditionally only fossil fuel generation could provide.

This is why BESS is recognised as key energy infrastructure needed for Western Australia’s transition away from coal into a grid with a high penetration of renewables, and to achieve the long-term target of net zero emissions by 2050.

3. How will the battery be charged?

Red Gully BESS will charge from and discharge to the SWIS electricity grid via a 330kV transmission line to Western Power’s Regans Terminal, which is currently under construction on the west side of Brand Highway.

4. What battery technology is being used for the Project?

The Project uses containerised utility-scale lithium-ion batteries. These are purpose built for outdoor installation in tough climates such as our Australian summers. BLT Energy Will select the best solution for the demands of WA’s unique electricity network and the site.

5. How big is the Project?

An area of up to 30ha will be developed for the final build. The Project will be built in phases. The first phase will deliver 400MW of charge and discharge power with an energy storage capacity of 2,400MWh. For comparison, a typical EV has a battery capacity of around 100kWh, or 0.1MWh. On this basis, Phase 1 has a storage capacity equivalent to approximately 24,000 EV batteries.

The facility consists of two main functional areas: the substation and BESS yard. The substation will look like Western Power substations at the same voltage. The BESS yard is where BESS containers are neatly arranged in rows along with the inverters which convert the stored energy into AC electricity. Typically, these are standard 20-foot high cube containers, which are 2.9m high and 6m long.

6. Where will it be located and why?

Red Gully BESS is strategically located in close proximity to Western Power’s Regans Terminal.

The development zone is situated on cleared grazing land, with ample setback to roads, other properties, and vegetated zones. This ensures a high level of fire protection and safety, along with minimizing its visual impact.

7. What is the life cycle of Red Gully BESS? What happens at decommissioning?

Utility-scale battery systems are designed to optimise cell life and are typically expected to operate for 20 to 25 years. Once the substation and power line infrastructure is built, it can be utilised well beyond the life of any battery system through potential future augmentation and renewal of the BESS yard.

At the end of serviceable life, the facility can be dismantled. The decommissioning process typically includes:

Taking down and removing the BESS infrastructure
Removing additional related facilities
Rehabilitating the site

The decommissioning will follow all relevant regulations for safely transporting and disposing of used materials.

After removal, a large percentage of the material in the batteries will be reclaimed or recycled. Where feasible, infrastructure components such as steel and concrete will be recovered for re-use.

8. How long does it take to build a BESS?

Construction of Red Gully BESS Phase 1 will take 12 - 18 months, with a peak construction period of around 9 months.

9. Who is developing Red Gully BESS?

BLT Energy is developing Red Gully BESS. Founded in 2023, BLT Energy is a renewable energy developer from Western Australia. Our team consists of a group of mainly West Australians who combine our local background with global experience and networks. For details, please visit our company website at blt-energy.com.

Local Queries

10. How do you ensure construction is undertaken responsibly?

We are committed to minimising the potential impacts of construction on neighbours, communities, Traditional Owners and the environment while prioritising safety as much as practicable.

During construction, there may be some localised increases in traffic, noise and dust. Key measures we will implement to reduce any impact are:

Engaging with our neighbours, local community and the Shire Council
Adhering to standard construction hours with no construction to take place out-of-hours unless there is an approved noise management plan
Creating management plans including, but not limited to traffic, noise and heritage
Continuously monitoring and managing construction activities
Maintaining equipment to high standards
Complying with planning conditions, legal regulations and industry best practice
Upholding a robust safety culture with clear protocols and regular trainings

11. What is the impact of noise during construction of the Project?

During construction, we are bound by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 and the environmental noise practices in section 4 of AS 2436-2010 “Guide to noise and vibration control on construction, demolition and maintenance sites”.

Standard construction hours are 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays. Where construction work needs to be performed outside these hours, additional requirements will apply.

12. Will local jobs be created?

The construction programme will require a significant local workforce, to be engaged through a main contractor. Once in operation, several ongoing full-time roles will be generated. We also aim to work with local suppliers, businesses and community groups wherever possible, having already engaged many local WA companies in our project development work to date.

13. How will the community benefit from the Project?

A Community Benefit Fund shall be established for the life of the Project. The fund intends to provide annual financial contributions and grants to selected local community organisations and Traditional Owners.

We will be working in consultation with the Shire of Gingin, the local community and the Yued Aboriginal Corporation on the details of benefit sharing. Grant funding is intended to commence from the operational start date.

We welcome any suggestions about what initiatives the Community Benefit Fund could support. We will release information on the application process for grants under the Community Benefit Fund as soon as it is available.

14. How do you keep people informed about the Project? How can they provide feedback?

As a West Australian developer, BLT Energy plans on being an active part of the community. We welcome your feedback and are happy to assist with any questions you may have about Red Gully BESS.

We use the following channels and tools to involve and engage with our stakeholders:

Project email redgullybess@blt-energy.com for any questions or feedback
Project newsletters to those registered interest throughout the development and construction cycle. To register for updates, please click here to subscribe
Meetings, phone calls, emails and/or letters to relevant Council, government agencies, community groups and other stakeholders

Safety and Environment

15. What development approvals are required for the Project?

Development Application is required for the Project. As part of this process, the application will be advertised and open to submissions from stakeholders including relevant government departments, easement holders, and the community. Submissions shall be directed through the Shire of Gingin website according to the posted deadlines.

16. How has the Project been responsibly designed?

The Project has been designed with careful consideration for the neighbouring properties, environment, and minimal disturbance to existing land use:

Continued existing land uses

The limited footprint requirement of the facility allows cattle grazing to continue across the site on all four sides of the Project. Security fencing will be installed, separating grazing land from the operational facility.

Siting and setbacks

Substantial setbacks from all property boundaries ensure minimal visual and noise impact. Compliance with noise regulations has been demonstrated with studies undertaken by local Western Australian firms. The site was specifically selected for its proximity to transmission infrastructure, minimising the length of new transmission line required.

Environment

The Project will clear a minimal amount of planted and native vegetation, as it is sited on cleared land. Environmental consultant has been engaged since early stage of development and advice sought to ensure the protection of areas important for local plants and wildlife during both the construction and operation of Red Gully BESS. Stormwater management channels and basins will be designed to maintain existing water flows.

17. What are the measures to prevent fire incidents?

There are multiple layers of safety protocols to prevent, detect, and manage incidents. Key management strategies include:

Battery management system: prevents damage to battery cells from overcharging or overdischarging. Thermal management includes deactivating battery modules when monitored conditions exceed the safe operating limits.

Fire detection and suppression systems: quickly identify gas, smoke or temperature changes. The system will intervene by (i) deactivating the power, (ii) activating a ventilation system; and (iii) turning on alarms to notify operators, allowing appropriate safety actions to be taken. Automatic fire suppression system may also be activated.

Emergency response plan: outlines step-by-step procedures for managing incidents, including protocols for coordinating with local emergency services.

Setback and vegetation management: creating a defensible space around the facility through vegetation management and asset protection zones reduces the risk of bushfires reaching the site and helps protect surrounding areas.

Regular inspections and maintenance: routine inspections and maintenance of all safety systems ensure that fire suppression equipment, alarms, and backup systems function effectively and meet regulatory standards.