Sapphire Battery, NSW

The Sapphire Battery is a 30MW, 1 hour (lithium-iron phosphate) battery development located next to the 270MW Sapphire Wind Farm, in the New England region of northern NSW. The battery will store excess energy from the wind farm and the grid and discharge it when customers need it most. It will also deliver ancillary market services, which support a more secure and reliable grid. The battery can be expanded in future, and when paired with the approved Sapphire solar farm, could provide ‘firm’ renewable energy to match large customers’ needs.

Key Project Info

Battery size and duration

30MW capacity / 1 hour+ duration

Planning

NSW development consent received

Status

Construction is expected to commence this year

Project Timeline

Step 1/13

Project identification and site selection

Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints. Our team then begins community consultation.

Current Stage
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Step 2/13

Project feasibility and community engagement

Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.

Current Stage
160m Mast

Step 3/13

Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement

A Development Application is made and an EIS prepared which involves a wide range of studies to address stakeholder feedback received to date and to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.

Current Stage
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Step 4/13

Public exhibition and Submissions Report

The EIS is placed on public exhibition through the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Interested members of the public are invited to have their say during the exhibition period by way of formal submissions. A Submissions Report is then prepared, which aims to respond to the submissions received.

Current Stage
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Step 5/13

Assessment and development consent

The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined, Development Consent is granted alongside a range of conditions specific to the project.

Current Stage
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Step 6/13

Post approval, contracting and financing

A lead contractor(s) to build the project is appointed and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase, the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.

Current Stage
SQE Office 3 C

Step 7/13

Procurement

During this phase our lead contractor(s) engages contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components.

Current Stage
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Step 8/13

Early works and design

Initial site activities start. Off-site detailed design commences in parallel.

Current Stage
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Step 9/13

Construction - civil works

During this phase of construction, the majority of the civil works takes place. The community is kept informed about temporary impacts during the construction phase.

Current Stage
Step 9

Step 10/13

Construction - mechanical and electrical completion

During this phase, the major equipment packages are delivered to site. Electrical cabling, buildings and amenities are then installed and major equipment connections are made to complete construction.

Current Stage
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Step 11/13

Commissioning & handover

Electricity and other external service connections are completed and then equipment undergoes performance testing. During this stage, the project will come to life with equipment starting up for short periods of time, until the commissioning team is satisfied with the performance and operational safety. Operators will be trained during commissioning before commencing operations.

Current Stage
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Step 12/13

Operations

The project is operated in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.

Current Stage
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Step 13/13

Decommissioning

At the end of the project’s useful life, the asset and electrical equipment will be either replaced or the project will be decommissioned. The site will then be returned to its original use or re-purposed for other development.

Current Stage
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Publicly Available Documents

Statutory Approvals - State Significant Development

20231113 DJI Bango Wind Farm 6  

About Squadron Energy

Squadron Energy is Australia’s leading renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. We are 100% Australian owned and have 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in operation and 900MW under construction. We are committed to launching 14GW of projects by 2030, powering the equivalent of six million homes.

Contact

Project Manager

Alastair Smith

Email: sapphirewind@squadronenergy.com

Mailing Address

GPO Box 1858, Canberra ACT 2601

Complaints and Issues Contact Point:

Tel: +61 (2) 6100 2122

Social Media

Sapphire Wind Farm on Facebook

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