Snowtown Battery Energy Storage System – Consultation Plan

Tilt Renewables is progressing the Snowtown Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project – a proposed 100 MW battery energy storage facility with up to four-hour duration located approximately 10 km northwest of Snowtown in South Australia. The project will connect to the existing Snowtown substation, associated with the Snowtown I Wind Farm, and will support grid stability and renewable energy integration within South Australia’s electricity network.

As the project is classified as a regulated activity under the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 (SA), Tilt Renewables is required to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Statement of Environmental Objectives (SEO) as part of the Associated Infrastructure Licence application process. These documents require applicant-led consultation with relevant stakeholders to identify environmental values, potential impacts and community considerations.

WSP engaged Capire to develop a Consultation Plan to guide stakeholder engagement during preparation of the EIR and SEO – ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and supporting meaningful engagement with affected stakeholders.

Approach 
Capire worked with WSP and Tilt Renewables to develop a fit-for-purpose Consultation Plan that established a structured framework for stakeholder engagement throughout the regulatory consultation process. The work involved:

• reviewing statutory consultation requirements under the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act and associated regulations
• documenting previous engagement undertaken by the project team
• identifying key stakeholders to be consulted during the EIR and SEO process.

Capire developed a comprehensive stakeholder analysis covering landowners, Traditional Owners, Wakefield Regional Council, state government agencies, local businesses and the surrounding community. The Plan outlined tailored engagement approaches for each stakeholder group, including direct meetings, briefings, written submissions, project updates and digital communication channels.

The Consultation Plan also identified key environmental and community matters to be tested through consultation, including impacts on biodiversity, cultural heritage, noise, traffic, water management and emergency management. A clear consultation schedule and engagement methods were established to ensure stakeholder feedback could be captured and incorporated into the final EIR and SEO documentation.

Outcomes

The Consultation Plan provides Tilt Renewables with a clear and compliant engagement framework to guide consultation during the EIR and SEO environmental approvals process.

The approach ensures stakeholder feedback can inform the EIR and SEO, while helping to manage project risks, strengthen relationships with local stakeholders, and support a smooth regulatory approval process for the Snowtown BESS project.