‘Big battery’ planned at Murray Bridge North
A company called Akaysha Energy has filed plans for a 200-megawatt energy storage system just outside Murray Bridge.
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A company called Akaysha Energy has filed plans for a 200-megawatt battery bank just north of Murray Bridge.
Like the so-called “big battery” at Hornsdale, in South Australia’s Mid North, the energy storage system would feature row upon row of batteries – about 75 of them, in this case, each about 3.2 metres high.
The battery bank would charge up during the day, when most power is generated by solar and other renewable sources; and discharge during the evening, when households’ power usage is highest.
In that way, it would help with the national shift to renewable energy, slowing the effects of climate change.
It would be situated about 200 metres away from Mannum Road, in between two stands of trees, to minimise any visual impact on the landscape.
A high-voltage line would connect the battery bank to an electrical substation across the road.
In a letter to the State Planning Commission, a planning consultant said the facility “will provide a reliable, renewable source of power for local consumers in a location adjacent to the necessary electricity infrastructure”.
It would be “well removed” from any potential objectors and screened by new and existing vegetation.
Nearby residents would be able to hear some background noise from the facility, but at a volume of less than 45 decibels.
That’s similar to the amount of noise a neighbour’s air conditioner might make, and slightly under the acceptable limit set in state regulations.
Initially, at least, the owner of the agricultural property where the battery bank would be built has agreed to a 20-year lease, according to the planning consultant, with scope for a further 20-year extension.
One tree would be removed to make way for the development.
Because of the large scale of the project, a decision about whether to approve it will be made by the commission, not by the Murray Bridge council.
Members of the public will have until July 26 to offer any feedback.
- Have your say: Fill in the form at plan.sa.gov.au, or download a representation template and email it to spcapplications@sa.gov.au, by 11.59pm on July 26.
- More information: www.akayshaenergy.com.au.
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