Transport planning and engineering for a utility-scale renewable energy project in regional Victoria

Overview

Eukai provided transport planning and engineering services for the proposed Connewarren Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a major renewable energy project near Mortlake in Victoria's South Renewable Energy Zone.

Working with Akaysha Energy and the broader consultant team, Eukai prepared the Transport Impact Assessment supporting the planning approval process. The assessment considered construction traffic, heavy vehicle access, site design, road network impacts and long-term operational requirements for a 36-hectare battery energy storage facility connected to the existing Mortlake Power Station.

Transport Network Assessment

Large-scale renewable energy projects place unique demands on regional transport networks. The project required the movement of large volumes of construction materials, specialised electrical equipment, and oversized transformer components across the regional road network. Eukai assessed how these movements could be accommodated while maintaining road safety, protecting network performance, and minimising impacts on surrounding communities. The assessment also addressed planning authority and road manager requirements, demonstrating that the existing transport network could safely support the project's construction activities.

Project Outcomes

Eukai's Transport Impact Assessment (TIA) demonstrated that the proposed battery energy storage facility could be integrated into the surrounding transport network with targeted and proportionate infrastructure improvements. The assessment concluded that operational traffic would have minimal impact on the local road network, while construction traffic could be effectively managed through appropriate site access, approved heavy vehicle routes, and a project specific Traffic Management Plan to be implemented before construction commenced.

Contact Kane Williams