Community

Our commitment to people and sustainability

Increasing the use of solar energy is important to reduce the consumption of carbon-intensive fossil fuels, responsible for the damaging impacts of climate change.

FRV is passionate about this project and recognises the importance of ensuring that the development of Armidale East BESS brings success to the community. It is important that the concerns of the local and broader community are considered and addressed appropriately.

Adjacent residents will be notified of the project milestones and FRV will make every effort to update neighbours and the community as we progress with our plans– it’s important to us that residents feel they have every opportunity to talk with us at all stages of the project.

Project updates will also be published in the “News and Events” section of the website. Click here to get more information about the latest announcements and progress on the project.

If you are a member of the community or are interested in the project, we encourage you to share any thoughts, concerns, or suggestions you may have with our team.

You can provide your insights by contacting us here. Please include accurate and complete contact information so we can get in touch to chat with you further.

Economic and Social Benefits

The project is expected to create job opportunities during construction and operations. FRV requires all contractors working on the BESS development to hire local contractors and utilise local suppliers wherever possible. It is estimated that up to 130 workers will be required to construct the project. During operations up to 5 ongoing operational roles will be created.

The project represents a positive diversification of the local economy and brings investment to the area. It delivers additional indirect economic opportunities to local businesses including local grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, accommodation providers, petrol stations, vehicle servicing, pubs, catering, cleaning companies, tradespersons, tool and equipment suppliers and many other businesses.

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.

The project’s Social Licence Commitments document can be found here , and it outlines how the proponent 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.

Environmental Benefits

Battery energy storage can provide reliable and efficient energy by stabilising the grid by storing energy during periods of low demand, and dispatching energy during periods of peak demand and emergency events.

BESS developments are vital to Australia’s clean energy transition and will help to reduce its emissions, improve national resilience in energy supply and support affordable clean energy for Australians.