Brendan Simpkins

GOULD Creek will be energised if a planned, multi-million-dollar battery storage system is approved.

Plans have been lodged with the state’s planning commission for a 225MW/450MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to be built on a 30-hectare pocket of farmland near Black Top Road.

Australian renewable energy company Maoneng is seeking development approval for the project, which is expected to cost $112.5 million.

If approved, construction would take place in one stage within a 12-month timeframe and be operational by 2023.

Batteries will be stored in 240 shipping containers and will be capable of producing enough energy to power 40,000 homes during peak times.

The Gould Greek BESS would be more than double that of the Tesla 100MW/129MWh “big battery”, at the Hornsdale Wind Farm outside of Jamestown.

Situated fewer than 100 metres from the existing Para substation, the battery will connect directly into the power grid through the substation.

Already the project has received in-principle support from the Energy and Mining Department through a letter by the department’s chief executive Paul Heithersay.

“On balance, the development of Maoneng Australia’s proposed project has the potential to benefit South Australia and can be considered public/essential infrastructure,” he said.

However, Mr Heithersay noted “possible environmental and community issues” would need to be addressed through the assessment process.

A planning report that accompanies the development application says the battery “will support the safe and efficient operation of South Australia’s energy grid”.

“The proposed BESS represents an important component of any energy system moving towards increased renewable energy supply,” it says.

The project is open for public consultation with submissions closing on Friday.