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BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, moving with speed to deliver market-leading projects.
Our experience spans the development, delivery, and operation of major energy storage projects, working alongside best-in-class developers, suppliers, contractors, and financial institutions.
Through greenfield origination and development partnerships, BW ESS has grown a pipeline of over 7GW across the UK, Australia, Italy, Germany and Sweden, with over 1GWh of projects currently in construction.
In Australia, BW ESS is also a shareholder in Valent Energy, which was established in January 2024 in partnership with private equity firm Gaw Capital. Valent Energy is an investment platform in Australia with a pipeline of over 1.6GW of utility-scale battery projects.
BW ESS has a strategy to own and operate our projects for the long-term, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle. As a long-term owner-operator, BW ESS maintains direct oversight of our sites throughout their operational lifetime. We use top-tier suppliers, and our fully warranted battery systems meet the latest safety and regulatory standards. For a full list of projects, please click here.
Part of BW Group, BW ESS is able to leverage a global industry network, as well as decades of experience in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation.
Why choose McCullys Gap for battery storage
Balancing Supply and Demand
Our battery system bridges the gap between Australia's renewable generation zones and metropolitan demand centres, providing critical storage capacity where it's most needed. By capturing excess generation and delivering power during peak periods, we optimise the flow of electricity across the national network.
Enhancing Energy Security
Muswellbrook Shire LGA’s economy has been closely linked to the energy industry, in particular the international thermal coal and domestic power industry. Additionally, the project’s location within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (HCC REZ) supports the ongoing development of renewable energy projects in the region and supports industry diversity and growth of the energy sector.
Supporting Net Zero Ambitions
Recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as essential electrical infrastructure, battery storage plays a pivotal role in Australia's energy transformation. Our facility enables broader adoption of renewable generation across the network, supporting the nation's pathway to lower emissions and more affordable energy.
As a critical enabler of clean energy integration, battery storage supports the transformation of Australia's power infrastructure while ensuring reliable supply across the network.
Detailed overview of the proposed site
Location
The project would be located at 578 Sandy Creek Road, McCullys Gap (NSW), about six kilometres (km) northeast of Muswellbrook (the project site). The project is located within the Muswellbrook Shire local government area (LGA) and is located in the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (HCC REZ).
The project site is located immediately east and adjacent to the existing 330 kV Transgrid Muswellbrook substation, to facilitate connection to the NSW high voltage electricity transmission network.
Employment Use Considerations
For the past 50 years, Muswellbrook Shire LGA’s economy has been closely linked to the energy industry, in particular the international thermal coal industry and domestic power industry (Muswellbrook Shire Council, 2022).
The Hunter Regional Economic Development Strategy 2023 update (Department of Regional NSW, 2023) identifies that although coal mining is anticipated to remain a key contributor to the Hunter regional economy, the industry’s future will be impacted by the broader shift towards renewable energy generation in the medium to longer term).
Additionally, the project’s location within the HCC REZ supports the ongoing development of renewable energy projects in the region and supports industry diversity and growth of the energy sector.
Our planning application will include a comprehensive case to justify development of this site which sets out that the primary use is to provide a supporting service to businesses and to the workforce of the local area. The use of the site as a BESS facility would not have a significant detrimental impact on the operation of other businesses in the local area.
Landscaping
The topography of the project site is generally flat in the north, increasing gently in elevation from the north at 180 metres in elevation, up to 250 metres elevation to the south, and steepens onto a ridge in the southern section of the site. There is a farm dam located near the centre of the project site and a number of small tributaries run along the eastern section of the project site that drain into Sandy Creek approximately 60 metres to the north and two farm dams to the east.
Accessibility
The site would be accessed off the Sandy Creek Road.
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months with, on average, two deliveries per day. Once built the local traffic implications of the site are very low; typically, one van movement per month.
A Planning, Design and Access Statement, a Transport Assessment and a Construction Traffic Management Plan (setting out the avoidance of deliveries at peak times or weekends) will be submitted with any planning application.
Operations
The BESS facility would operate through sophisticated remote monitoring systems, requiring only monthly maintenance visits. This automated approach would ensure efficient operation with minimal local traffic and disruption.
McCullys Gap’s Strategic Advantage
Proximity to Substation
Direct connection to the Transgrid Muswellbrook substation (330KV/132KV) maximises operational efficiency while minimising network modifications. The site's immediate proximity to existing infrastructure and Transgrid easement enables rapid deployment of essential storage capacity to the grid.
Addressing Regional Needs
This site is located in the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (HCC REZ). It strategically connects the NE REZ generation centre, the QNI (Queensland & NSW Interconnector), and the Sydney load centre.
Site Selection
The project site is located immediately east and adjacent to the existing 330 kV Transgrid Muswellbrook substation, to facilitate connection to the NSW high voltage electricity transmission network.
After a comprehensive site selection process of potential locations, this site was chosen for its minimal planning constraints and suitability for visual impact mitigation.
Integrated Ecological Design
Enhanced Biodiversity Design
Our project delivers substantial ecological improvements through the creation of diverse wildlife habitats. The scheme includes bird and bat boxes, beehives, ponds, and wildflower meadows, all designed to enhance the site's biodiversity value and support local wildlife populations.
Natural Site Screening
The site benefits from established trees and hedgerows that provide natural screening. This existing landscape framework will be strengthened through additional native tree planting, ensuring the facility integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.
Operational Excellence
Sophisticated remote monitoring systems ensure optimal performance through limited physical presence. The facility maintains noise levels comparable to household appliances, while monthly maintenance schedules maximise efficiency with minimal local impact. Situated within Flood Zone 1, the site benefits from a low risk of flooding, ensuring reliable operation.
Powering Regional Progress
Enable Clean Energy Transition
Strategically positioned on the vicinity of Sydney's 500kV transmission ring, our facility strengthens the reliability of Australia's evolving power network. This advanced storage system provides critical support to major population centres while enabling greater integration of regional renewable energy resources.
Enhance Biodiversity
The 10-hectare facility, thoughtfully positioned within a 40-hectare pastoral property, demonstrates our commitment to balanced land use. The site's natural pastoral setting and established access routes create an ideal environment that complements existing agricultural activities while supporting essential energy infrastructure.
Strengthen Resilience of Australia’s Energy System
Recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) as essential electrical infrastructure, battery storage plays a pivotal role in Australia's energy transformation. Our facility enables broader adoption of renewable generation across the network, supporting the nation's pathway to lower emissions and more affordable energy.
Contribute To The Local Economy
The project will contribute the local economy through bringing employment opportunities during the construction and operation stages, providing clean and reliable electricity supply to local communities as well as to the metropolitan centre, and NSW renewable energy project benefit sharing scheme (Benefit-Sharing Guideline) .
Share Your Thoughts
We warmly invite your valuable feedback, views and suggestions for our project. BW ESS is a long-term project owner, and we value building good relationships with neighbours in the local communities around the site in Muswellbrook NSW.
Please feel free to reach out to us:
• Complete the form below with your comments
• Call the consultation team: 1800 810 680
• Email us: cominput@ghd.com