Pinecrest
Battery Energy Storage Project
Smarter Energy for Sustainability
Up to 250 MW / 500 MWh lithium battery energy storage in Stage 1 and an additional up to 500 MWh in Stage 2 with a 25-year operational life
Energy storage containers and electrical infrastructure to be installed on a 23 ha site near Lithgow.
High-voltage transmission line, connected to Transgrid’s Wallawerang Substation
The Pinecrest BESS project seeks to provide firmed renewable power in one of the best locations on the grid in NSW.
It is proposed to be located approximately 12km north west of Lithgow, between the existing Mt Piper and Wallerawang high voltage substations, and on the previous Pinecrest Solar development footprint.
The proposed site is next to existing 132kV and 330kV Transgrid transmission lines.
Timeline
Submit Scoping Report and Request SEARs
The scoping report will support our application to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for the Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs)
SEARs identify what information needs to be included in the next stage of planning.
Submit EIS and Public Exhibition
We will submit the EIS to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) who will publicly exhibit it for a minimum of 28 days.
Anyone can make a submission to DPHI on the proposal and we will continue to engage with the community during this stage.
Project Determination
A notice of determination is issued which will include requirements for how the project must be built and operated.
Construction starts and lasts approximately 18 months (if approved)
We are here
Early 2025
Late 2024
Early
2026
Mid
2026
Late
2026
2028
Findings and community feedback from this early-stage consultation will inform the scoping Report.
Prepare Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The EIS provides information on economic, environmental and social impacts of the project.
We will complete further community consultation during this phase to inform the EIS
Prepare and Lodge Submissions Report
We will prepare a report to respond to submissions and may engage further with community and government agencies during this stage.
Once the report is lodged, the DPHI will assess the proposal in line with government policy and legislation
Project is operational
Following approximately 18 months construction, Pinecrest BESS starts operations (If approved)
Prepare Scoping Report
We're currently completing preliminary investigations, looking at the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.
Approvals Process
Approval for the Project is being sought through a State significant development (SSD) application, to be assessed under Part 4 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI is the determining authority for SSD applications).
The project is progressing through the planning and approvals stage. The EIS is currently being prepared.
About Banpu
Banpu Energy Australia is the developer of the Pinecrest BESS project and is a subsidiary of Banpu Public Company Limited (Banpu), one of Asia’s largest energy companies.
Banpu has had a presence in Australia for many years, and strives to be a versatile international energy provider through strategic businesses in 10 countries across the globe.
Community Information
We welcome feedback and will be providing community information sessions through the approval process. We will add session times for community consultation to this website.
The project team is also available outside of these information session times. Please contact us on 1800 032 358 (free call).
You can also subscribe to get updates direct to your inbox.
Site Location
News and Updates
