Call for BESS submissions

Submissions relating to development of a Battery Energy Storage System at Shady Creek will close at the end of this week.

Proposed on farm zoned land in Darnum-Shady Creek Rd, the project has been named the Darnum BESS by developers Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia.

The application was lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning in July and placed on public exhibition last month.

It is one of three BESS proposals for Baw Baw Shire with a Trafalgar East project receiving ministerial approval two weeks ago and an application to develop a BESS at Yarragon North currently being considered by Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.

The $230 million development includes a 200 megawatt (MW)/800 megawatt–hour (MWh) BESS including battery enclosures, associated transformers, an on–site substation and switchyard, internal access roads, drainage infrastructure, and ancillary services.

The development footprint will be across seven hectares within a 51.2 hectare site. The application stated the remainder of the land would continue to be used for agricultural purposes.
Samsung stated the project would provide electricity storage infrastructure to support the electricity network, facilitate the integration of renewable energy generation and make efficient use of existing transmission infrastructure.
The site is co-located with existing electricity transmission "enabling efficient use of existing network assets while maintaining the potential for agricultural use across the majority of the project site."
"By providing battery energy storage capacity and connecting to the national electricity market, the project would enhance energy reliability, enable greater integration of renewable energy and attract investment in regional energy infrastructure," the application stated.
Samsung submitted the BESS would contribute to a more resilient and sustainable local economy, consistent with Baw Baw Shire's Economic Land Use Strategy.
"The project will not limit the operation or expansion of adjoining and nearby agricultural uses, as it has a limited footprint, maintains appropriate separation from surrounding farmland, incorporates measures to avoid or minimise emissions to land, air or water (including lighting and noise) and enables agricultural activities to continue without restriction on neighbouring properties," the application stated.
The proposed development has been the target of significant opposition from surrounding residents and farmers.
The subject site is located about 770 metres from the Shady Creek Hall. Objectors have maintained a strong stand to reject the proposed development, saying it should not be permitted on agricultural land.
A number of other concerns raised during community consultation have included noise and visual impacts, traffic and bushfire risk.
The application presented to the DTP said potential impacts on landscape character, amenity, environmental values, and human health and safety had been assessed and Samsung was confident the issues could be managed to acceptable levels through the project's siting, design, mitigation measures, and permit conditions.
The application was supported by a number of expert reports and assessments.
The landscape and visual impact assessment concluded the project would not result in unacceptable landscape or visual impacts.
An environmental noise assessment concluded operational noise impacts could be managed and did not represent a constraint to the development.
Addressing fire risks, the application stated radiant heat protection was integrated into the BESS design and a fire–water retention system was provided to capture and manage contaminated firefighting runoff.
"Collectively, these measures reduce bushfire risk to an acceptable level and prioritise the protection of human life and surrounding assets," the application stated.
If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2027 and take up to 18 months to complete.