Avenis Energy Pty Ltd - on behalf of AE BESS 4 Pty Ltd ATF AE BESS 4 Unit Trust - is in the very early stages of exploring a development approval for a battery energy storage system about 6km south-east of the town.
The proposed site will have a maximum development footprint of seven hectares.
With an anticipated capacity of approximately 120MW/480MWh, the BESS will store surplus energy from renewable sources during low demand periods, contributing to grid stability and reliability.
The BESS is just the latest energy project being investigated for the region.
Already in the works is an overhead powerline network between Jerilderie and Swan Hill being investigating by Transgrid, the Pottinger Energy Park wind and solar project between Deniliquin and Hay, the Bullawah Wind Farm near Hay and the Yanco Delta Wind and Energy Storage facility, which received approval late last year to build 200 wind turbines across the Edward River and Murrumbidgee local government areas and was recently acquired by Origin Energy Limited.
Also located in Deniliquin is a ‘laydown’ site for the EnergyConnect project to connect electrical grids across Australia, being undertaken by SecureEnergy.
In its early explorations, Avenis said it is focused on engaging with the community and to tie progress with community needs.
Avenis development manager Tom Lukins emphasised the importance of engaging the local community from the beginning.
“Our aim is to ensure their voices are heard, reasonable concerns are addressed, and ideas are considered throughout the development process,” he said.
Two community information drop-in sessions will be hosted next week - on Tuesday at the Deniliquin Town Hall from 1.30pm to 6.30pm and Wednesday at The Crossing Cafe from 8am to 1pm.
Residents are encouraged to attend and engage with the development team.
“We value community input and aim to keep communication open throughout the project,” Mr Lukins said.
“The information sessions will give residents a chance to learn more about the project and share their feedback.”
Avenis says the Deniliquin BESS represents a “significant leap towards New South Wales’ sustainable energy future, promising to enhance grid stability and resilience while accelerating the transition towards a cleaner, more efficient power ecosystem”.
“We expect this project to create significant job opportunities during construction, providing a boost to the local economy,” Mr Lukins said.
“It is anticipated the project will create 80 to 90 construction jobs during peak construction.
“Once operational, it’s estimated that there would be another one or two permanent jobs available, as the site would be largely remotely operated.”
The development site, carefully selected for its proximity to the Deniliquin substation and non-arable nature, features an existing quarry and lacks irrigation, making it unsuitable for intensive farming.
Setbacks are designed to minimise impacts on neighbouring properties, and existing transmission lines allow for reduced disturbance and expense to connect the BESS to electrical infrastructure.
“A BESS is crucial for the increased adoption of decentralised power infrastructure models,” Mr Lukins explained.
“It compensates for the intermittency of renewable sources, providing backup power to address constraints such as weather conditions and lack of grid space.”
As a state significant project, the Deniliquin BESS proposal will be reviewed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and environmental considerations.
“As the project progresses, Avenis remains dedicated to community collaboration, with a focus on creating a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Australia,” Avenis said.
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