Capricorn BESS Project
In development
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About the project
Capricorn BESS Project
The proposed Capricorn BESS Project will consist of the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of up to 300MW for 1200MWh of electricity storage at Burnett Highway, Bouldercombe, Queensland. The relevant assessments required for Development Approval for the proposed project have now been completed. The Consent Authority for the proposed project is the Rockhampton Regional Council
Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, construction of the proposed Capricorn BESS Project is expected to commence in the second half of 2026, with operations targeted to begin in mid 2028. The investment value of the proposed project would be more than $500 million.
The proposed Capricorn BESS Project would contain shipping containers fitted with the battery units and control equipment associated with inverters and power transformers. The layout would be arranged in a grid pattern and with sufficient space to allow access around each unit. A substation would be installed within the BESS area to enable connection to Powerlink’s Bouldercombe substation through a dedicated cable route.
Technology
BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
Operational capacity
Up to 300 MW for 1200MWh of battery storage
Planning and Approval
Enel Green Power Australia (EGPA) has lodged a Development Approval application with the Rockhampton Regional Council. The relevant assessments required as part of the Development Approval application for the proposed project have been completed, and they include the following key focus areas:
- Stormwater Assessment
- Traffic Impact Assessment
- Noise Assessment
- Fire and Emergency Management Plan
Timeline
Milestones
Proposed timeframes are approximate and may change.
Community Benefits and Impact
EGPA is committed to a Creating Shared Value (CSV) approach throughout the construction and operational phases of the project. EGPA intends to work closely with the local community to enhance economic and social conditions in the local area and proactively share benefits within the community.
EGPA is also committed to local sourcing throughout the project’s operational and construction phases, where feasible. It’s expected that the project will create significant local employment and supply opportunities during construction. EGPA will work closely with the main contractors to identify capability and capacity in the local area and maximize opportunities for local contractors and suppliers to take part in the project through the provision of goods and services to both the project site and workforce.
Community Engagement
EGPA is in the process of developing a Stakeholder and Community Engagement Plan for the project’s pre-construction, construction and operational phases. It will include activities such as:
- Engaging with key stakeholders for the project, including neighbours within the vicinity of the project area, the broader community around the project area, Council and relevant government agencies.
- Sharing regular project updates through local community newsletters and this website.
Community Survey
As part of EGPA’s Creating Shared Value (CSV) model, we are committed to working closely with the local community to enhance economic and social conditions in the area. For this reason, EGPA is seeking feedback from the community, to better understand local values and priorities and inform planning for a potential initiative to be undertaken within the area around the project site. EGPA will review the survey results and work to shape its benefit-sharing initiatives so that they align with community preferences, where feasible and where these are compatible with the company’s values, policies and capabilities.
We would appreciate your input through the following quick survey:
Resources
The project team aims to keep the local community informed of community initiatives, significant events or activities and project timing and status.
Contact Us
For enquiries related to the project, please contact us via the feedback form or through the contact details listed below.
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Contact Information
Local community and stakeholder enquiries
Danielle Davis, Community Engagement and Sustainability Officer