Construction advances on Summerfield Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Work is steadily progressing on the Summerfield BESS connection project—one of Enerven’s most significant infrastructure undertakings to date. Led by ElectraNet, the initiative aims to bolster South Australia’s renewable energy capacity by developing two 120MW BESS facilities, BESS 1 and BESS 2.

These facilities will be connected via newly constructed 275kV infrastructure at the Tepko Substation, linking through to the Tungkillo Substation in South Australia’s Eastern Hills. Enerven is spearheading the design, construction, and commissioning of critical infrastructure at the Tepko Power Station site, with a target completion date set for April 2026.

Strategic Importance of the Project

“Summerfield is a technically complex and strategically important project for Enerven,” said Mo Sayyar, Project Manager at Enerven. “It showcases our ability to deliver high-voltage infrastructure that supports the transition to renewable energy.”

The project plays a crucial role in South Australia’s clean energy transition, ensuring efficient energy storage and distribution as the state moves toward greater sustainability and grid stability.

Scope of Work

Enerven’s scope of work includes:

• designing, supplying, and constructing a greenfield 275kV Tepko Substation to connect Summerfield BESS1 and BESS2
• augmentation works at Tungkillo Substation, including the design and installation of a new feeder linking Tepko
• construction of the new F1962 transmission line, utilizing existing structures while integrating two new monopoles and a cut-in tower
• installation of civil, structural, primary and secondary systems, transmission lines, and telecommunications infrastructure
• integration of ElectraNet-supplied plant into the delivery framework.

Environmental and Cultural Considerations

A key aspect of the Summerfield project is its careful management of environmentally and culturally sensitive areas, including unexploded ordnance (UXO) zones. Enerven has worked closely with ElectraNet to implement innovative solutions to minimize environmental impact.

“We’ve developed advanced methods—such as using drones for stringing—to reduce our environmental footprint and respect cultural heritage requirements,” Sayyar explained. “Our approach includes staged investigations that align with access restrictions, ensuring minimal disturbance to the land.”

To date, the team has successfully completed soil resistivity, geotechnical, and hydrology studies, laying the foundation for detailed design and construction.

Key Construction Milestone: Site Mobilisation in April 2025

The project is set to reach a major milestone with site mobilisation at Tepko Substation scheduled for April 2025. This will initiate bulk earthworks, officially marking the start of the construction phase.

“This is a significant moment for the project team and a major step forward,” Sayyar said. “We’re looking forward to getting boots on the ground and delivering this critical energy infrastructure.”

Ongoing Technical Work and Preparations

As part of the preparation process, teams have been conducting tower resistance testing on-site—an essential step in ensuring a safe and efficient construction phase. Enerven Electrical Engineering Lead, Daniel Snodgrass emphasized the importance of these evaluations:

“This activity assesses the existing tower earthing performance to determine if it meets specified values. Ideally, low resistance values are preferred, as they improve lightning conduction and enhance the earthing system’s effectiveness.”

A Step Toward a Greener Future

The Summerfield BESS project is a testament to Enerven’s commitment to advancing South Australia’s renewable energy landscape through innovative, large-scale infrastructure solutions. As construction progresses, the project will play a vital role in ensuring energy reliability and sustainability for the region.