Horizon Power has submitted an application under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act for a 239MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Broome, Western Australia.
It comes as the state-owned utility prepares to replace an expiring power purchase agreement (PPA) with renewable energy infrastructure developed through extensive community engagement.
The Broome Future Energy System features a 90MW solar PV installation paired with a 42MW/239MWh battery storage system, representing approximately 5.7-hour storage duration.
The project forms part of Horizon Power’s strategy to support the Western Australian government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80% below 2020 levels by 2030.
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The battery storage system will be co-located with the solar plant at a site 10km north of Broome, connected to the existing grid infrastructure via an 18km transmission corridor that follows Broome Cape Leveque Road and the Broome Highway.
The project also includes a new 32MW thermal power station to ensure grid stability and security of supply.
Since August 2023, Horizon Power has conducted community engagement activities for the Broome project, including in-person information sessions, dedicated project websites, and multiple feedback channels.
The utility has worked closely with Traditional Owners and local communities, including collaboration with Yawuru’s development company, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, through co-design workshops that explored aligned values and principles for the future energy system.
Horizon Power noted that community feedback has revealed strong support for sustainability, protection of natural and cultural heritage, and renewable energy technology.
Broome currently relies on power purchased from an independent producer under an agreement due to expire, creating an opportunity for Horizon Power to integrate grid-scale renewable energy into the town’s supply.
The EPBC Act application covers a development envelope of 391.6 hectares, with construction requiring permanent clearing of up to 289.5 hectares. Horizon Power has identified avoidance areas within the development boundary to protect a Priority Ecological Community and potential habitat for the Northern Brushtail Possum and Bare-rumped Sheath-tailed Bat.
The Broome project is part of Horizon Power’s broader Kimberley Future Energy Systems initiative, which encompasses five towns: Derby, Looma-Camballin, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek.
Each system follows a progression timeline, with specific community and environmental considerations, guided by the utility’s Future Energy Framework, which the organisation said prioritises two-way dialogue, cultural respect and transparency.
The project adds to Australia’s growing pipeline of energy storage developments undergoing federal environmental assessment. The project adds to Australia’s growing pipeline of energy storage developments undergoing federal environmental assessment, as covered by Energy-Storage.news.
Western Australia has emerged as a key market for energy storage deployment, with the state government recently prioritising long-duration energy storage in its latest clean energy funding round.
The Broome project’s 5.7-hour duration positions it within the medium-duration storage category, suitable for managing daily solar generation cycles and evening peak demand.
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