OX2 is committed to keeping the community informed by providing clear, accurate and timely information about the Project. This FAQ's page has been developed to help explain the Project, outline potential impacts, and respond to questions raised by the community. We will continue to update this information as the Project progresses.
BESS facilities generally use lithium-ion to store the electricity until it is ready to be distributed to the network. BESS facilities allow energy generated from another source (such as a wind farm) to be stored until it is needed. BESS facilities improve grid reliability by storing low-cost electricity when there is an oversupply of electricity or during periods of low demand/high generation so that electricity is available when demand is higher. In fact, BESS can reduce electricity costs for communities by lowering peak demand charges and providing access to cheaper off-peak electricity. The fast response capability of BESS also enables ancillary services to maintain grid power quality at a standard level. Additionally, BESS can act as a backup power source during emergencies like bushfires, ensuring that critical infrastructure (hospitals, emergency services, water systems) remains operational even if the grid is disrupted.
BESS facilities contain several key components, including battery units, inverters and transformers. The final composition of a BESS facility will depend on the BESS technology used, the BESS supplier, and the facility's size. Where possible, BESS facilities are co-located with or near a grid connection point (such as a terminal station), therefore minimising the need for additional connection infrastructure.
Large-scale BESS facilities are expected to have an operational life of approximately 15 to 20 years and are typically monitored remotely, without the need for permanent on-site staff. Staff are, however, required to access the site from time to time to undertake inspection and maintenance activities.
OX2 is the leading developer of onshore wind in Europe. As an industry pioneer, we are active in eleven markets and offer fully customised renewable energy solutions involving several technologies, including wind and solar energy, in addition to hydrogen and energy storage projects. We design and build sustainable projects and tailor them to meet our customers’ needs. OX2 has a proven business model and in-house expertise at every step of the process – from project inception and financing to engineering and design, permitting, procurement, construction, and technical and commercial management. Our mission is to accelerate access to renewable energy. We see ourselves becoming the leading provider of renewable energy solutions globally, thereby powering the great shift.
Technical and environmental studies are undertaken by independent consultants who are experts in their field to identify baseline conditions and possible impacts. We use these studies to inform the project design, planning and construction and ongoing management. The assessments undertaken for a wind farm typically include:
A wind farm is a major project and like any major infrastructure project, construction can be disruptive at certain times. To minimise this, we work with the project landowners, neighbours, contractors, local councils and wider community to plan construction responsibly and manage any impacts effectively and efficiently. Some of the ways we do this include:
Each stage of construction can pose different challenges, such as traffic movements during the initial road construction phase or over-dimensional vehicle movements as components are delivered to the site. Adequate stakeholder engagement and early planning will allow those movements to occur safely for the workforce and the community, with any planned disruptions communicated to relevant stakeholders (including the community). Depending on the size of the project, construction can take several years. Management Plans are required to outline how potential impacts are managed, and that all management and mitigation measures are understood and followed by the project partners.
To reduce and manage risk, Health and Safety Management Plans are developed to ensure safe construction practices and potential risks are identified, mitigated and communicated to workers. All staff and contractors undertake mandatory training in safety and emergency procedures before starting work on-site.
TThe relevant fire safety authorities are consulted during the Project's development stage to ensure that the Project's design meets fire safety requirements and that management and mitigation measures are accounted for. During the construction and operation phase of the Project, it will comply with fire safety and emergency response management measures (i.e. in the Fire Management and Emergency Response Plans) including:
The construction of a wind farm and battery project will generate traffic as materials, machinery, and components are delivered to the site. Prior to the commencement of construction, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is developed in consultation with road authorities and local councils to ensure that construction traffic is appropriately managed and uses approved roads only. School bus routes are taken into account.
Local roads may be upgraded before works begin to ensure they are suitable for truck and oversize vehicle loads. We work closely with our contractors and councils to plan deliveries, coordinate with other road users and provide advance notice of any disruption. Any road construction works (including upgrades) required to facilitate the construction of the solar farm will be undertaken at our cost.
Standard construction hours are outlined by The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in each state. The hours are approximately 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. On occasions we may need to work outside these standard hours. If this is required, we will provide as much advance notice as possible and put measures in place to minimise any disruption. Any required approvals to work outside of the standard construction hours would be sought.
