Darnum Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Thank you for your interest in completing this survey about the proposed Darnum Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project. The survey should take around 5-10 minutes to complete.

Project Overview

Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia Pty Ltd (SREA) is proposing the development of the Darnum BESS Project. The Project would involve the construction, operation and decommissioning of a BESS with a 200 MW active power capacity and a 800 MWh battery storage capacity. The Project is located within the Baw Baw Local Government Area, approximately 8 km north-east of Warragul in Victoria on Darnum-Shady Creek Road, Shady Creek. The development footprint is currently indicative and would be finalised after detailed design and the competitive tender procurement process

The Projects built form features include the BESS compound including battery enclosures, power conversion systems and cabling, substation and ancillary infrastructure. AusNet’s 220 kV transmission line crosses the site parallel to the southern boundary and the BESS will connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) to this transmission line via the substation.

Construction is expected to commence in 2027 and take approximately 18 months. The BESS is expected to have a 30-year life-span.

Once complete, the project would provide essential energy storage capacity to help keep Victoria’s electricity network stable and strengthen supply reliability as more renewable energy is integrated into the network.

Survey Purpose

SREA has engaged Umwelt, a social and environmental consultancy, to undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for the Project. As part of the SIA, we are seeking your feedback on the potential social impacts (positive and negative) that may occur because of the Project. Your responses will also help us to understand and develop appropriate management measures tailored to your concerns or experiences as Project planning progresses, as well as in identifying opportunities where the proposed Project can enhance local benefits.

Privacy Statement

Umwelt is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with all applicable personal data protection laws and regulations. Information collected via this survey will be used to inform the SIA. All information and written data will be retained by Umwelt and will be reported in de-identified form in the SIA Report. The information you provide will be used to compile aggregated information for public reporting and no specific details on individuals or family groups will be reported publicly. Information recorded will not be used for any other purpose.

Involvement in this survey is voluntary, and you are not required to answer any questions that you do not feel comfortable doing so. Your name and any personal information that you choose to provide will be stored only for the purpose of analysis and to ensure feedback or future correspondence can be provided as required or preferred.

Should you wish to withdraw your feedback, this can be done at any time. Additionally, you can request a copy of outcomes of the engagement for your further validation and revision.