BESS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BESS are designed for long-term operation—typically 25 to 30 years. A dedicated team, either based on-site or within the region, is responsible for ongoing operations, maintenance, and monitoring throughout the project’s life.

Do BESS cause health problems?

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) provides independent advice to the public and government on potential health impacts associated with energy infrastructure. With regard to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), the NHMRC has found no consistent evidence to suggest that BESS pose any risk to human health.BESS facilities operate with very low levels of noise, do not emit harmful pollutants, and are designed to meet strict safety, fire protection, and electromagnetic compliance standards. When properly installed and maintained, BESS systems are considered safe for both nearby communities and the environment. Like other forms of modern energy infrastructure, BESS are subject to comprehensive safety regulations and environmental planning controls. These include:

Electromagnetic field (EMF) compliance, well below public exposure limits
Battery safety standards, including thermal management and fire prevention systems
Strict containment protocols for any potential leaks or faults

As a result, BESS are widely recognised asa safe, clean, and essential technology that supports the transition to a more reliable and renewable energy future—without posing health risks to surroundingresidents.

Will electromagnetic interference affect my TV reception?

With Australia’s ongoing digital energy transition, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are designed to operate with minimal electromagnetic interference, ensuring they have little to no impact on television, radio, or communication signals. Due to the robust nature of modern digital transmissions, any potential disruptions are extremely rare.

Before development begins, comprehensive assessments are carried out to evaluate existing TV, radio, and communication signal quality in the area. This helps identify any locations with weaker signals where interference risks might be slightly higher.

If any nearby residents experience reception issues following the installation of a BESS facility, Avenis Energy is committed to promptly providing support. We work closely with affected communities to investigate concerns and implement effective solutions to restore and maintain reliable signal quality.

This proactive approach ensures that BESS projects coexist harmoniously with local communication systems, supporting both technological progress and community wellbeing

What if a BESS catches fire?

The risk of fire at Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is very low thanks to a comprehensive suite of safety measures, including:

Use of high-quality, certified battery cells and electrical components that meet stringent safety and industry standards
Advanced system monitoring and management software that continuously tracks battery performance, detects faults or overheating, and can initiate automatic shutdowns or isolation when necessary
Incorporation of robust fire suppression and containment systems, including thermal management and fire-resistant enclosures to prevent fire spread
Regular maintenance, inspections, and preventative checks to identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate
Carefully designed site layout and vegetation management, maintaining cleared access routes to minimise fire risks and enable rapid
emergency response if required

Could a BESS make fighting a bushfire harder?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are not considered to increase the risk of bushfires. Operators have a strong incentive to minimise fire risks to protect their valuable assets and the safety of surrounding communities. In fact, BESS sites often contribute positively to fire management by maintaining cleared access roads that can act as fire breaks, having trained personnel on-site during construction and operation phases, and incorporating strategically placed fire suppression equipment as required by regulatory authorities.

BESS projects are designed and constructed in close collaboration with local fire services to ensure all fire risks are thoroughly assessed and managed. When it comes to aerial firefighting, BESS installations do not present significant additional hazards. The locations of battery enclosures and associated infrastructure are registered with airspace authorities, and firefighting pilots treat these sites similarly to other fixed structures like power lines, transmission towers, and communication masts. BESS facilities are integrated into broader firefighting risk assessments, supporting safe and effective emergency response efforts.

What is the carbon payback for a BESS?

The carbon payback period for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) refers to the time required for the system to offset the carbon emissions generated during the manufacturing, transportation, installation, and commissioning of its components. Multiple studies indicate that BESS typically achieve carbon payback within two to five years of operation, depending on factors such as battery chemistry, system size, location, and operational usage.

After this period, the electricity stored and dispatched by the BESS effectively supports a low-carbon grid by enabling greater use of renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation—making a significant contribution to lowering overall greenhouse gas emissions.

What does maximum output mean?

The maximum power rating of a BESS represents the highest amount of electrical power it can safely generate under ideal conditions. This capacity is typically measured in megawatts (MW), where one megawatt equals one million watts. Energy production over time is measured in megawatt-hours (MWh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh), with one kilowatt equal to one thousand watts. For example, if a BESS operates at a maximum output of 1 MW for one hour, it produces 1 MWh of energy. This rating helps determine the BESS’s potential contribution to the electricity grid during peak sunlight hours.

What happens to a BESS at the end of the operational phase?

At the end of their operational life—typically around 15 to 25 years—battery modules and associated equipment in a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are carefully decommissioned and removed. Many battery components can be refurbished, repurposed, or recycled to recover valuable materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other metals.

Recycling technologies and programs are continually advancing to maximise material recovery and minimise waste, helping to reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal. Wherever possible, components are reused or reconditioned to extend their lifespan, supporting a circular economy approach within the energy storage industry.

Responsible management of BESS components at the end of their lifecycle is essential to ensuring sustainable operation, reducing the ecological footprint, and supporting the long-term growth of clean energy solutions.

What does decommissioning involve?

Decommissioning a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) involves:

Safely dismantling and removing battery units, inverters, transformers, and associated electrical equipment.
Disassembling supporting infrastructure, such as switch gear, control systems, and access roads if required.
Restoring the site by rehabilitating disturbed areas, managing soil health, and revegetating to return the land to its original or agreed condition.

Landowners may choose to retain certain infrastructure elements, such as access roads or buildings, if they remain useful after decommissioning.

Repowering or upgrading a BESS typically requires obtaining new planning and environmental approvals, along with updated agreements with landwoners and stakeholders to reflect any changes in design or operation.

Who is responsible for decommissioning?

The responsibility for decommissioning a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) lies with the project owner. Agreements with landowners and planning approvals clearly define the requirements for decommissioning, including site rehabilitation and restoration. Importantly, the costs associated with decommissioning are never passed on to host landowners or local communities.

Decommissioning costs are carefully factored into the project’s financial planning from the outset to ensure adequate funds are reserved. As the BESS approaches the end of its operational life, the owner collaborates closely with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive decommissioning plan, following a structured process similar to that used during construction.

The Australian energy storage industry places strong emphasis on responsible and transparent decommissioning practices. To date, no BESS project in Australia has ever been abandoned, and the industry is committed to upholding this standard well into the future.

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