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McCullys Gap BESS

Welcome to the McCullys Gap Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project website.

McCullys Gap BESS is a proposed 400 MW, four-hour energy storage project located on the ‘Spring Flat’ of Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Region of NSW. The project will connect to the existing high-voltage transmission network and contribute to a more reliable, secure and diverse energy system.

Here, you can learn more about our plans and proposals, the planning and assessment process, and how to stay informed or provide feedback as the project develops.

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The project

The project

Site concept schematic

Location

Muswellbrook (Upper Hunter), Muswellbrook Shire Council, New South Wales

Capacity

400 MW / 1600 MWh

Land size

9.4 hectares

Jobs

Creating up to 100 construction jobs, with ongoing operational roles and additional workers for routine on-site maintenance

Operations

The project will operate remotely 24/7 for at least 30 years, with routine on-site maintenance. After construction, all temporary work areas will be rehabilitated

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Project STATUS

Project status

Currently the project team is preparing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will assess any potential impacts from the project.

Once completed, the EIS will be submitted and displayed to allow for review and determination.

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Project timeline

Project timeline

Our project team has undertaken preliminary flora and fauna surveys across the proposal site. Further studies are currently in progress to better understand the site characteristics, potential impacts and determine if mitigation strategies are required.

Ecology
Flooding
Heritage
Landscape
Noise
Transport
Feb 2025
Scoping Report submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment
Mar 2025
SEARs Response from NSW Department of Planning and Environment
June 2026
EIS Development & Public Consultation
Q3 2026
SSD & EIS  submission to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment
Q4 2026
DPHI assessment and project Determination
2027
Construction Commencement (Subject to Approval)
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Why McCullys Gap

Site selection

Musswellbrook location image 1
Musswellbrook location image 2

Proximity to infrastructure

The location of the project was selected for its proximity to the existing Muswellbrook substation (330KV/132KV). Direct access to the transmission network reduces the amount of infrastructure needed to connect.

Regional profile

This project is positioned 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 characteristics

The project site has been carefully chosen because the existing land conditions make construction more straightforward, helping to minimise disruption and improve efficiency.

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Why BESS

Why BESS

Large-scale battery systems contribute to the stability and reliability of our changing energy system. The energy stored in batteries is able to be used quickly and respond to changing conditions.

Typically, battery systems charge during the day when solar energy is plentiful and release the stored energy back into the grid at night.

Balancing supply icon

Balancing supply and demand

Battery systems help bridge the distance between where the electricity is generated and where it is needed most. By storing excess generation and delivering power during peak periods, batterieshelp optimise the flow of electricity across the national energy network.

Enhancing energy security icon

Enhancing Energy Security

Battery systems can adapt to changing energy network conditions within milliseconds which assists to provide a more stable and reliable system.

Supporting net 0 icon

Supporting a diverse system

The way in which our electricity is generated and consumed is changing. Batteries are an essential part of a more diverse and resilient system that is able to respond to change.

Battery storage supports the reliability and stability of the New South Wales power system, helping ensure a consistent supply of electricity for homes, businesses, and communities.

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About Us

The McCullys Gap BESS is being delivered by
BW ESS, a global energy storage developer, owner and operator.

BW ESS is a long-term developer, owner and operator of utility-scale battery energy storage projects. The company is headquartered in Zurich and operates across Europe and Australia.


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Contact

Contact us

BW ESS is a long-term owner and operator, focused on building strong relationships with our communities.

We’re committed to open communication and genuine engagement, and welcome your questions or feedback about the McCullys Gap BESS.

Please feel free to get in touch:
• Complete the form below with your comments
• Call the consultation team: 1800 329 172
• Email us: mccullysgap@bw-ess.com

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