Frequently Asked Questions

The project is currently in the development phase and will be seeking approval in late 2025, construction of the BESS is expected to commence in 2026 with commissioning and operation commencing in early 2027. 

The BESS stores energy when renewable energy generation is high and releases it when needed. It helps maintain a stable and reliable power supply, support the use of clean energy, and reduce the need for fossil fuels. 

The project will consist of shipping containers which are fitted with lithium-ion technology battery units and control equipment associated with inverters and power transformers. The layout will be arranged in a grid pattern with enough space to allow access around each unit. A substation will be constructed to enable connection via underground cabling to the closely located Sheffield Substation

The BESS is located near the existing Sheffield substation, in Nook north-west Tasmania. The site was selected due to its location near the substation and the ability to develop the site without having impacts upon surrounding agricultural, environmental or heritage values.

The BESS will operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  The BESS will mainly be remotely operated with monitoring and control systems, although personnel will visit the site periodically for inspections and maintenance. 

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a large-scale rechargeable battery that stores electricity, often generated from renewable sources like solar or wind. This stored energy can be used later when demand is high or when those sources aren’t producing power.

Bison Energy is a company that helps create clean, green energy. They build and invest in things like solar farms, wind power, and big batteries that store electricity. Their goal is to make energy that’s better for the environment. They work in countries like Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and the United States. The Nook Battery Storage System will be Bison Energy’s first project in Tasmania. 

At the end of its operational life, the battery system will be safely decommissioned. All above-ground infrastructure will be removed, and components will be recycled wherever feasible. While battery recycling is still developing, current technologies can recover over 60% of materials, including important minerals, and future improvements are expected to increase this recovery rate.

The BESS will only be partially visible from Dalwood Road due to it being set back from the road behind rolling hills. Vegetation screening will be established to minimise these views.

The BESS will be designed in accordance with applicable guidelines and standards and adhere to stringent fire safety measures. An emergency response management plan will be developed to outline protocols and requirements for fires.

The BESS will generate minimal noise, this will primarily be from the cooling system and power conversion components like the inverters and transformers. Bison are currently undertaking a noise impact assessment which will inform the design to minimise noise impacts and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Bison will have a complaints handling procedure and takes all complaints seriously and commits to handling them in a timely manner. 

There are no known health risks associated with large-scale battery systems when they are properly installed and maintained. These systems use the same core technology as household batteries and are considered safe for nearby communities.

Yes, the BESS is designed to operate safely and reliably. It follows strict safety standards and includes built-in features such as temperature control, fire protection, and secure enclosures. The system is installed and maintained by qualified professionals, and it is regularly monitored to ensure safe performance. While any electrical system carries some risk, BESS projects are carefully managed to minimise these risks and protect both people and property.

A development application will be lodged with the Kentish Council for planning approval. There will be an opportunity for community comment as part of this process. 

We will work with community throughout the development of the project, you can get in contact with the team at anytime at info@nookbattery.com.au or 1800 10 55 04

The project is expected to support local employment and economic activity, including short-term construction work and ongoing operational roles. 

We are committed to ensuring the local community benefits from the project.  This will include developing a community benefit sharing fund and working with community to understand local priorities and how the project can support meaningful outcomes.