Project Benefits
At FRV, we believe the communities in which we operate should share the benefits of renewable energy.
Benefits for the Local Community
As part of the NSW Government’s Long Duration Storage (LTESA) program, the Armidale East BESS project has made clear and measurable commitments to community engagement, local industry and First Nations participation.
150/MWh
as part of a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Armidale Regional Council to be investment in local community benefits
The project’s Social Licence Commitments document can be found here, and it outlines how FRV will engage with the local community, support local businesses and workforce participation, and deliver broader economic and social benefits throughout the development, construction and operational phases of the project.
FRV welcomes feedback from the community on specific initiatives they would like to see funded as part of the project’s investment in community benefits, such as:
Employment and training
Improvements to local facilities
Funding for local community groups
Sponsorship of local events or other community initiatives.
Employment and the Local Economy
Please register your interest or join our mailing list for upcoming employment and contractor opportunities during construction.
130 construction jobs
over the 30 month estimated construction period
5 ongoing local jobs
not including contractors or supply chain opportunities
These benefits extend through the local supply chains to:
Accomodation
Vehicles & Maintenance
Cafés, Pubs
Catering
Cleaning Companies
Tradespeople
Tool and Equipment Suppliers
Contributing to the local Community
Renewable energy projects, and in particular, BESS developments, provide landowners and local communities with an opportunity to diversify income and support the transition to a more reliable and resilient energy system.
FRV’s projects are designed to coexist and support local land use by maintaining existing agricultural activities within the site where possible, and in surrounding areas, and providing long-term land stability.
Once operational, the project will contribute to local agriculture through:
Low operational impact
Continued surrounding agricultural use
Stable land management
The Armidale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is designed to make better use of renewable energy by storing excess solar and wind generation and releasing it when demand is at its highest. This ensures reliable electricity supply during periods when renewable output is low, bridging the gap between generation and consumption. In doing so, the project actively supports a cleaner energy future; reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to lower overall emissions across the grid.
Environmental Benefits
The project will support the transition to renewable energy by storing and dispatching electricity when it is most needed, helping improve the reliability and stability of the electricity network.
The project would procure up to
2,400 MWh of energy storage capacity
Equivalent to:
150,000 residential batteries
(combined storage
capacity)
Up to 8 hours storage
of clean energy, for when the sun isn’t shining