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Holloway BESS Project
Holloway BESS Project FAQ
About Us
Who is SynCo Global? SynCo Global is an Australian owned renewable energy project developer and asset manager committed to advancing the global transition towards net-zero carbon emissions and a more sustainable future. With a particular focus on firming battery energy storage system (BESS) projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM), our objective is to drive more equitable energy outcomes for consumers and contribute towards combating adverse impacts of climate change and achieving Australia's net zero target as soon as possible.
What experience does SynCo Global have in the renewables industry? SynCo Global has a strong and growing track record in delivering renewable energy projects across Australia. Since 2020, the company has successfully delivered multiple commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar systems and the Merriwa Solar Farm in New South Wales. Our current portfolio includes a range of utility-scale projects at various stages of development, including: • 5MW solar PV + 5.5MW/11MWh BESS project under construction in South Australia • 100MW/200MWh BESS project in South Australia on track to commence construction in 2026 • The 250MW/1000MWh Holloway BESS project in NSW, targeting Ready-to-Build status by late 2026 / early 2027 • Large-scale hybrid solar and BESS developments exceeding 700MW in total capacity in South Australia • 500MW wind farm project in Queensland in early stages of development Our experienced team leads the development, grid connection, and delivery of these projects, working closely with partners, government, and industry to support Australia's clean energy transition.
About the Project
How long will it take to build the battery? Construction of the Holloway BESS will take approximately 12 months.
How big will it be? Once completed, the 250MW battery will cover around 3 hectares of land. The battery units will stand no higher than 2.5m above the ground.
Where will it be located and why? The project is located at 112 Eathorpe Road, Armidale, approximately 650 metres from the Armidale Substation, within the New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ). This location was selected due to its proximity to transmission infrastructure and low land-use conflict.
What technology will be used? The Holloway BESS will use advanced Grid Forming Technology, which allows the battery to help stabilise the grid by independently controlling voltage and frequency—similar to a traditional power station. The system will consist of lithium-ion battery units integrated with cutting-edge inverters, safety systems, and a central control platform to optimise performance.
How does it work? The Holloway BESS will store energy in times of high production and release energy in times of high demand, similar to how a battery on a home solar system works. It will also help to stabilise the grid in a few different ways – it has an emergency response mode to prevent blackouts and it can maintain voltage and frequency levels.
SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT
What approvals are required for the project? The Holloway BESS project is considered a state significant development. It will be assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the consent authority is the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
Will the battery increase the risk of fire? Safety is our top priority. While all energy systems carry some level of risk, the Holloway BESS is being designed and managed to meet or exceed Australian and international safety standards, including AS IEC 62933 and NFPA 855. A full Preliminary Hazard Analysis and Bushfire Risk Assessment will be prepared as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The battery system will include robust fire prevention and detection measures, including thermal monitoring, fire suppression systems, and strict operational controls. We are also working closely with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) to ensure the design supports emergency access and aligns with best-practice response protocols. Community fact sheets on fire safety and emergency planning will be made available throughout the process.
Are there any health risks? The Holloway BESS will use similar technology to the batteries that are being increasingly installed in homes, just on a larger scale. There are no known health risks associated with properly maintained large-scale battery installations.
What happens to the batteries when they reach the end of their life? We are committed to recycling as much of the BESS infrastructure as possible and expect the technological advancements over the next ~30 years in the sector to be able to facilitate this commitment.
COMMUNITY & BENEFITS
How will the local community benefit from the project? The Holloway BESS will deliver a range of benefits to the local community. It will contribute to the supply of clean, reliable energy to the region, supporting grid resilience and energy security. Where required, the project will also fund upgrades to local infrastructure and create opportunities for local suppliers and contractors during construction and operation. An Industry and Aboriginal Participation Plan is being developed to maximise involvement of the local workforce and Aboriginal communities in the region. In addition, the project will establish a Community Benefit Sharing Program in consultation with Armidale Regional Council and the local community. This program is intended to provide funding for local projects and initiatives that deliver social, economic, or environmental benefits. SynCo Global is also open to discussions regarding a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Council, in line with NSW government expectations for large-scale energy developments.
How will the community be consulted? We’re committed to genuine and ongoing community engagement. Our team will host public information sessions, distribute project updates, and maintain an open line of communication through email and a dedicated community contact point. Feedback from local residents and stakeholders will be considered as part of the project’s planning and approval process.
Will the project be noisy? Battery energy storage systems are generally quiet in operation. Most of the equipment, including inverters and transformers, will produce a low hum during peak operation, but noise modelling will be conducted to ensure compliance with regulatory limits. Noise-reducing design features, such as acoustic barriers or strategic equipment placement, may be implemented if needed.
Will the project impact the local landscape or visual amenity? The battery units are relatively low in height—less than 2.5 metres—and will be placed on a flat site with minimal elevation. Visual impact will be further reduced with appropriate fencing, landscaping, and possible vegetation screening. A visual impact assessment will form part of the environmental approval process.
FUTURE & DECOMMISSIONING
How long will the battery operate? The Holloway BESS is expected to operate for at least 20–30 years. Throughout this period, we will carry out regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure safety and performance.
What happens after the project’s life ends? At the end of its life, the site will be safely decommissioned, and components will be removed or recycled where possible. We are committed to minimising waste and ensuring the land can be returned to a usable state, in line with environmental and planning requirements at the time.