The EIS assessed the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the project, as well as the measures identified to avoid, minimise or manage those impacts. 

Read more: Mt Piper BESS - EIS summary

 

What the EIS covered

The EIS included detailed specialist studies undertaken during 2023 and early 2024, assessing:

  • noise and vibration during construction and operation
  • biodiversity and native vegetation
  • Aboriginal and historic heritage
  • traffic and transport
  • visual and landscape character
  • water, soils and land use
  • safety and hazard management
  • greenhouse gas and climate change considerations
  • social and economic impacts, including local benefits

The findings of these studies informed refinements to the project design and final layout.  

 

Project location and design

The Mt Piper BESS was proposed on existing EnergyAustralia owned land next to the Mt Piper Power Station. Locating the project within an established energy and industrial site helped to:

  • limit additional environmental disturbance
  • avoid the need for new transmission lines across private land
  • make use of existing electricity infrastructure

This approach is consistent with EnergyAustralia’s stated aim to deliver new energy projects with lower environmental and social impacts.  

 

Community and stakeholder engagement

Community and stakeholder engagement was undertaken throughout 2023 and 2024 to support preparation of the EIS. Feedback received during this period helped inform the EIS and the project design.

Engagement was undertaken in line with NSW Government guidelines for State Significant Projects.  

  

Public exhibition

The EIS was placed on public exhibition in mid2024 by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. During the exhibition period, community members were able to review the EIS and make submissions.

All submissions were carefully considered as part of the assessment process.  

 

Planning decision

Following assessment of the EIS and community submissions, the Mt Piper BESS was granted planning approval in November 2024. 

Read more: Mt Piper Battery Energy Storage System project receives development approval

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Energy Australia acknowledges that the site of the proposed Mt Piper BESS project is on the traditional Country of the Wiradjuri people. We recognise their continued connection to land, waterways and community, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.