South Burnett Bess
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About the project
The South Burnett Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) being developed by X-ELIO will be a 300 MW four hours lithium-ion battery that will be constructed in Alice Creek, 220 km north-west of Brisbane.
On 3 April 2025 South Burnett Regional Council approved the project, subject to conditions. Detailed site investigations and technical work are currently underway to meet the requirements of the approval conditions, allowing the project to start construction.
The project will increase the region’s dispatchable capacity and is critical to Queensland’s energy future.
Latest updates
For any questions please email us at: south.burnett.community@x-elio.com
Project fast facts
- The battery will store enough energy to power approximately 60,000 homes per day.
- The project is anticipated to create 150 – 200 jobs during construction
- Approximately 10 – 15 ongoing jobs required for operations and maintenance.
Community engagement
We are committed to operating openly and transparently by providing adjacent landholders and the wider community with regular updates and information throughout all stages of the project.
If you have an enquiry regarding the South Burnett BESS project, please contact us via email at south.burnett.community@x-elio.com If you would like to register your interest to receive project updates and news, please visit www.x-elio.com.
Project timeline
FAQs
X-ELIO is a global renewable energy company that develops, builds, and operates solar and sustainable energy projects. With over 20 years of experience and a presence in more than 10 countries, X-ELIO is committed works on a wide range of clean energy solutions. For more information, please see https://www.x-elio.com/projects-archive/south-burnett-bess/.
If approved and financed, construction of the South Burnett BESS will take around 18 months.
Once completed, the South Burnett BESS and associated infrastructure will cover up to approximately 8ha hectares of land. The battery cubicles will be approximately 2.5 meters tall. The overall size of each battery cabinet is about the size of a standard oversized shipping container.
The BESS will be located on 1196 Ellesmere Road, Alice Creek.
The land was chosen due to its proximity to the Powerlink substation and its remote distance from many sensitive receptors.
The site has no matters of State or Commonwealth environmental significance present and is suitable topography with high flood immunity.
The land was chosen due to its proximity to the Powerlink substation and its remote distance from many sensitive receptors.
The site has no matters of State or Commonwealth environmental significance present and is suitable topography with high flood immunity.
The BESS will utilise Lithium-Ion batteries and associated equipment from leading manufacturers. These manufacturers are selected through a separate competitive tender process. A more advanced technology may be installed as innovation comes to market. It is also expected to see more advanced batteries replace the current batteries as they reach the end of their service life.
In principle, the facility will be an orderly arrangement of battery cabinets, inverters and control systems, including electrical and data cabling. The battery packs are enclosed in custom designed, dust and waterproof ‘cabinets’ made of steel. The cabinet colour will be white, or light coloured to assist with heat management and each cabinet has its own internal thermal management system. Each cabinet will look similar to a standard oversized shipping container.
In principle, the facility will be an orderly arrangement of battery cabinets, inverters and control systems, including electrical and data cabling. The battery packs are enclosed in custom designed, dust and waterproof ‘cabinets’ made of steel. The cabinet colour will be white, or light coloured to assist with heat management and each cabinet has its own internal thermal management system. Each cabinet will look similar to a standard oversized shipping container.
The intended lifespan of the South Burnett BESS is 25-30 years. One year prior to decommissioning, X ELIO must submit to the Council for endorsement, a Rehabilitation Exit Plan prepared by field experts. This plan will demonstrate how the site will be restored, identify future land uses, and outline an activity plan for remediation and monitoring.
The South Burnett BESS will store energy in times of high production and release energy in times of high demand, similar to how a battery on a home solar system works.
There will be minimal lighting on site at night, and as such, minimal impact on the surrounding landholders or the landscape.
In making the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, the ability to store and dispatch energy will play a key role. Battery Energy Storage Systems support renewable generation projects by smoothing out generation peaks and troughs. This will also assist in the lowering of tariffs during high peak demand periods.
Battery Energy Storage Systems do not produce emissions; instead, they enhance and support the nation’s renewable energy integration into the market, contributing to the Australian Government’s net zero targets.
Battery Energy Storage Systems do not produce emissions; instead, they enhance and support the nation’s renewable energy integration into the market, contributing to the Australian Government’s net zero targets.
The project will increase the region’s dispatchable capacity and is critical to Queensland’s energy future, providing clean, reliable energy and generating jobs, investment, and growth for Queensland.
An underground transmission line is planned, connecting the BESS to the Powerlink Halys substation. We are working with landholders and South Burnett Regional Council to deliver this part of the project, including the required approvals.
While the bushfire risk at our site is considered low, maintaining the highest level of bushfire safety protocols is one of our key priorities. We will manage fire risk through several proactive measures:
Fire detection and suppression systems inside the BESS containers.
An on-site cooling water supply for onsite fire-fighting and thermal management system to keep operating temperatures within acceptable ranges.
Ongoing landscaping and maintenance to reduce fuel loads and prevent the spread of potential fire.
Maintaining firebreaks around the site so there is a defendable boundary for firefighting (i.e., asset protection zone) and careful site selection for minimal bushfire risk.
Proactive engagement planning with local fire services to support rapid response.
These measures have been designed to meet local bushfire safety requirements and to help protect nearby communities and the environment.
Fire detection and suppression systems inside the BESS containers.
An on-site cooling water supply for onsite fire-fighting and thermal management system to keep operating temperatures within acceptable ranges.
Ongoing landscaping and maintenance to reduce fuel loads and prevent the spread of potential fire.
Maintaining firebreaks around the site so there is a defendable boundary for firefighting (i.e., asset protection zone) and careful site selection for minimal bushfire risk.
Proactive engagement planning with local fire services to support rapid response.
These measures have been designed to meet local bushfire safety requirements and to help protect nearby communities and the environment.
We selected this site as it is not susceptible to flooding, reducing the overall risk of water-related impacts on surrounding land and infrastructure. To manage water responsibly during construction, we will be implementing erosion, stormwater and sediment control measures to minimise water discharged to vegetation and/or off-site.
In addition, we will be conducting water quality testing prior to construction, during construction, and throughout operations. These tests will help monitor any changes and ensure that water quality remains within acceptable standards.
In addition, we will be conducting water quality testing prior to construction, during construction, and throughout operations. These tests will help monitor any changes and ensure that water quality remains within acceptable standards.
To help protect local agricultural operations and prevent the spread of invasive weeds, we have a biosecurity plan in place for all staff and contractors working on the project.
Before entering any private property, vehicles and equipment must be cleaned and checked.
Heavy vehicles and machinery need to be washed at an approved wash point and given a weed and seed certificate. Drivers must carry this certificate and go straight to the project site after inspection.
Light vehicles must be cleaned thoroughly, and drivers must fill out a self-assessment form before entering.
Clothing and personal gear should also be checked to make sure it is free of weeds.
On-farm biosecurity procedures are followed by X-ELIO staff and contractors.
Before entering any private property, vehicles and equipment must be cleaned and checked.
Heavy vehicles and machinery need to be washed at an approved wash point and given a weed and seed certificate. Drivers must carry this certificate and go straight to the project site after inspection.
Light vehicles must be cleaned thoroughly, and drivers must fill out a self-assessment form before entering.
Clothing and personal gear should also be checked to make sure it is free of weeds.
On-farm biosecurity procedures are followed by X-ELIO staff and contractors.
X-ELIO will manage traffic impacts through its Construction Management Plan, which will include provisions for traffic control measures for our workers.
In addition, X-ELIO is engaging with neighbouring landholders and other proponents in the area to coordinate construction activities and minimise cumulative traffic impacts. We are taking this collaborative approach so that disruptions to local road networks and community access are as effectively managed as possible.
As part of meeting the project’s conditions of approval, X-ELIO is also actively collaborating with the South Burnett Regional Council on road maintenance, road upgrades (if needed), and mitigation strategies.
In addition, X-ELIO is engaging with neighbouring landholders and other proponents in the area to coordinate construction activities and minimise cumulative traffic impacts. We are taking this collaborative approach so that disruptions to local road networks and community access are as effectively managed as possible.
As part of meeting the project’s conditions of approval, X-ELIO is also actively collaborating with the South Burnett Regional Council on road maintenance, road upgrades (if needed), and mitigation strategies.
