Empowering partnerships between developers, landowners, communities and planning authorities.
RESPONSIBLE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2026
SYDNEY
08 MAY 2026
Mercure Sydney
818-820 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA
MELBOURNE
27 OCTOBER 2026
Novotel on Collins
270 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
AUSTRALIA
RESPONSIBLE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT 2026
Powering a Safe, Responsible and Sustainable Future!
SUMMIT OVERVIEW
As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become essential for enhancing grid reliability and managing intermittent energy resources. Yet the rapid expansion of the BESS sector also brings significant responsibilities related to safety, sustainability, and local community acceptance.
The Responsible Battery Energy Storage Development Summit returns in 2026 for its second edition in Sydney on 8 May, and will expand nationally with a new Melbourne edition on 27 October. Each one-day event brings together industry experts, community leaders, developers, asset owners, regulators, battery manufacturers, construction EPCs, grid operators, and more to address the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Across both cities, the summit will explore best practices for developing BESS projects that prioritise safety and responsible impact management, while showcasing the latest technologies and strategies for mitigating noise, fire risk, and other community concerns.
Building on the success of the inaugural Sydney event, the 2026 series offers industry professionals the ideal platform to gain practical insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with peers. With expanded national reach, the summit continues to champion safer, more sustainable, and more community-aligned BESS development across Australia.
KEY TOPICS INCLUDE
Responsible BESS Development
Best practices for site selection, design and development with ‘good neighbour’ and safety outcomes at the forefront.
Noise Management
Technology and design innovations to reduce noise impacts from BESS operations. Best practice noise assessment, mitigation methodologies and case studies.
Battery Fire Safety
Strategies for preventing and controlling battery fires, hear latest fire safety guidelines from emergency response authorities.
C&I and Community BESS
Income opportunities, optimisation and feasibility, detailed design, grid connection constraints and lessons learned for C&I and Community BESS in the built environment.
Decommissioning Responsibilities
Best practice approaches to BESS end-of-life planning, asset removal, site remediation and regulatory responsibilities.
Planning System and Community Engagement
Leading community engagement experts discuss BESS project lessons, hear planning approval processes from state government planning managers.
Data Centres and BESS
Emerging synergy between data centres and co-located BESS, responsible development practices from developers, OEMs and planners.
Long Duration Emerging Technologies
Exploring emerging long-duration storage technologies, project readiness, and their role in supporting a resilient, renewable energy system.
Expert Panel Discussions
Gain invaluable insights, participate in engaging discussions, and network with peers.
PURCHASE YOUR EARLYBIRD TICKETS TODAY!
Be quick to secure your seat — the Earlybird offer ends 31 March 2026
SYDNEY
8 May 2026
In-Person Attendee
Earlybird Ticket
$325
Mercure Hotel
In-person event tickets
Breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day
Ask questions of the presenters
Networking with peers
View demos and exhibits from sponsors
Canapes and drinks
MELBOURNE
27 October 2026
In-Person Attendee
Earlybird Ticket
$325
Novotel on Collins
In-person event tickets
Breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day
Ask questions of the presenters
Networking with peers
View demos and exhibits from sponsors
Canapes and drinks
VIRTUAL
8 May 2026
Virtual Attendee
Earlybird Ticket
$125
Online
Join on-line via our live-stream link
Ask questions to the in-person presenters
Be in the comfort of your own space
On-demand viewing available
Electronic materials
WHY ATTEND?
By attending the Responsible Battery Energy Storage Development Summit, you will:
Gain insights from industry leaders and experts on cutting-edge developments and best practices.
Participate in high-level discussions on how to overcome challenges in BESS development.
Network with key stakeholders across the energy, technology, and sustainability sectors.
Walk away with practical strategies and knowledge to advance safe, sustainable BESS solutions in your organisation.
AGENDA:
Registration and Coffee
08:30am - 09:00am
Opening Remarks
&
Welcome to Country
09:00am - 09:20am
BESS Industry responsibilities for Energy Transition
Demian Natakhan - Enhar
Binowee Bayles
Opening Keynote
09:20am - 09:30am
BESS Industry leadership for the Energy Revolution
John Grimes - Smart Energy Council
Panel Discussion One
09:30am - 10:15am
Ensuring Responsible BESS Development:
Ramping up while developing responsibly in the Australian BESS industry
CHAIR: David Leitch - ITK Services
Matt Baumgurtel - Hamilton Locke
Ronch Willner - Valent Energy
Iwan Davies - NSW Dept of Planning & Environment
Andrew Bray - RE-Alliance
Session One
10:15am - 11:00am
Battery Fire Safety:
Prevention and Emergency Response Planning
Matthew Allen - Country Fire Authority (CFA)
Javier Piedrahita - NJM Design
Ali Asadi - Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation
Panel Discussion Two
11:00am - 11:30am
BESS Fire Safety Panel Discussion:
Latest guidelines at national and state level and practical experience from project implementers
CHAIR: Matthew Allen - Country Fire Authority (CFA)
Michael Beecroft - Queensland Fire Department
James Hansen - Fire Rescue Victoria.
Ali Asadi - Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation
Javier Piedrahita - NJM Design
Tea Break and Sponsor Networking
11:30am - 12:00pm
Session Two
12:00pm - 12:45pm
Noise Management for BESS projects:
Holistic approach from technology design to site selection to mitigation and monitoring
CHAIR: Demian Natakhan - Enhar
Alex Stoker - Marshall Day Acoustics
Daniel Jurcola - e-STORAGE (a subsidiary of Canadian Solar),
David O'Donoghue - Power Electronics
Panel Discussion Three
12:45pm - 01:30pm
BESS Noise Management:
Perspectives from manufacturers, project developers, planning authorities and regulators
CHAIR: Alex Stoker - Marshall Day Acoustics
Daniel Jurcola - e-STORAGE (a subsidiary of Canadian Solar),
David O'Donoghue - Power Electronics
Michael Juttner - Department of Transport (Victoria)
Jonathan Song - Environment Protection Agency (EPA)
Lunch Break and Sponsor Networking
01:30pm - 02:30pm
Parallel Track in the
Wangari Room
02:30pm - 04:30pm
Parallel Track: C&I & Community BESS Session:
Commercial Battery Engineering and Grid Approvals
Technical Lessons Learned – C&I and Community BESS
Case studies of C&I BESS projects for optimised performance and revenue
BESS Revenue and Optimisation
Roger Mansfield - Enhar
Ian Foster - Enhar
Oliver Barnes - Evo Power
Andrew Reddaway - Enhar
Panel Discussion Four
02:30pm - 03:30pm
Community Engagement, First Nations and Social License to Operate:
Ensuring Long-Term Success by Building Trust and Collaboration
CHAIR: Simone Maus - Collective Insight
Courtney Paulson - AGL
Margaret Harvie - PlanCom Consulting
Sabiene Heindl - The Energy Charter
Andrew Bray - Re-Alliance
Session Three
03:30pm - 04:30pm
Planning approvals for responsible project success:
State government lessons learned
CHAIR: Demian Natakhan - Enhar
Michael Juttner - Department of Transport
Jarrod Spencer - Department for Energy and Mining - Energy Resources Division (SA)
Iwan Davies - NSW Dept of Planning & Environment
Closing Address and Key Takeaways
04:30pm - 04:45pm
Advancing Responsible BESS Development:
The Path Forward for a Responsible Community of Practice
Demian Natakhan - Enhar
Networking & Event Close
04:45pm - 06:00pm
Sydney Agenda - 8 May 2026
Our agenda continues to evolve as we confirm speakers and sessions, please check back for the latest updates
Arrival & Registration
08:20 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration and coffee
Summit opens
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Welcome to Country
Opening remarks: BESS Industry responsiblities for the Energy Transition
Opening Keynote: BESS Industry leadership for the Energy Revolution
PANEL 1
Main plenary
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Panel Discussion 1
Australian BESS industry: ramping up while developing responsibly
Panel Overview
An opening discussion on why Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are critical to Australia’s renewable energy transition, including their role in improving grid reliability, integrating renewables, and helping reduce electricity price volatility.
The panel will briefly introduce key development considerations, setting the context for deeper discussions throughout the day on safety, planning, noise, and community engagement.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
Tea break
10:15 AM - 10:35 AM
Tea break and Sponsor networking
SESSION 1
Main plenary
10:35 AM - 11:20 AM
Session 1
Battery Fire Safety: Prevention and Emergency Response Planning
Session Overview
An overview of battery fire safety in BESS developments, focusing on prevention, risk mitigation, and effective emergency response planning.
This session will explore key safety considerations across project design, operational management, and collaboration with emergency services to ensure safe and responsible deployment of battery storage systems.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
PARALLEL TRACK 1
10:35 AM - 11:20 AM
Parallel Track 1 Panel Discussion
Data Centres and BESS: a new synergy emerging
Panel Overview
A panel discussion exploring the rapid growth of data centre construction and its implications for energy demand, including opportunities to co-locate BESS and renewable generation to support reliable, low-carbon power supply.
The discussion will also address the responsible management of planning, infrastructure, and community impacts associated with co-located BESS and data centre developments.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
PANEL 2
Main plenary
11:20 AM - 11:55 AM
Panel Discussion 2
BESS Fire Safety Panel Discussion
Panel Overview
A panel discussion exploring the latest BESS fire safety guidelines at national and state levels, alongside practical insights from project developers and implementers.
The session will highlight emerging standards, regulatory expectations, and lessons learned from real-world project delivery to support safer battery storage deployment.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
PARALLEL TRACK 2
11:20 AM - 11:55 AM
Parallel Track 2 Panel Discussion
Responsible site selection and land negotiation: Integrity for success
Panel Overview
A panel discussion explores responsible site selection and land negotiation for BESS projects, focusing on early-stage origination using appropriate criteria for technical feasibility, planning suitability, and community acceptance to support successful project development.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
Tea break
11:55 AM - 12:05 PM
Tea break and Sponsor networking
SESSION 2
Main plenary
12:05 PM - 1:00 PM
Session 2
Noise Management for BESS projects: Holistic approach from technology design to site selection to mitigation and monitoring
Session Overview
This session explores a holistic approach to noise management in BESS projects, from technology design and equipment selection through to site planning, mitigation strategies, and ongoing monitoring.
Learn how developers and operators are addressing acoustic impacts to support compliant, community-aware project delivery.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
PARALLEL TRACK 3
12:05 PM - 1:00 PM
Parallel Track 3 Panel Discussion
#BetterTogether Battery initiative
Panel Overview
A panel discussion on the #BetterTogether Battery initiative, exploring strategies to accelerate community acceptance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and community batteries through transparent engagement, collaboration, and shared benefits.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
PANEL 3
Main plenary
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Panel Discussion 3
BESS noise Management perspectives from manufacturers, project developers, planning authorities and regulators
Panel Overview
A panel discussion bringing together manufacturers, project developers, planning authorities, and regulators to share perspectives on BESS noise management.
The session will explore practical challenges, regulatory expectations, and collaborative approaches to addressing noise impacts across the project lifecycle.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
PARALLEL TRACK 4
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Parallel Track 4 Panel Discussion
BESS end of Life: doing it responsibly
Panel Overview
A panel discussion on responsible end-of-life management for BESS projects, including decommissioning protocols and emerging frameworks such as the Decommissioning Security Framework for Renewable Energy Projects, ensuring long-term environmental accountability and responsible project closure.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Lunch break and Sponsor networking
PANEL 4
Main plenary
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Panel Discussion 4
Community Engagement, First Nations and Social License to Operate: Ensuring Long-Term Success by Building Trust and Collaboration
Panel Overview
A panel discussion on community engagement, First Nations partnerships, and building social licence to operate for BESS projects.
Hear perspectives on fostering trust, meaningful consultation, and collaborative approaches that support long-term project success and positive community outcomes.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
Wellbeing
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Voluntary singalong
PARALLEL TRACK 5
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Parallel Track 5 Panel Discussion
Case studies of C&I BESS projects for optimised performance and revenue
Panel Overview
A panel discussion showcasing C&I BESS case studies, highlighting Australian battery solutions designed for a rapidly evolving energy market. The session will explore real-world installations, technical insights, and strategies to optimise system performance and revenue.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
PARALLEL TRACK 6
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Parallel Track 6 Panel Discussion
Long Duration Emerging Technologies
Panel Overview
A panel discussion exploring emerging long-duration energy storage technologies, their project readiness, and the implications for land origination and development approvals as Australia expands renewable generation capacity.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
Comfort Break
3:30 PM - 3:40 PM
Short comfort break
SESSION 3
Main plenary
3:40 PM - 4:50 PM
Session 3
Planning approvals for responsible BESS project success: State government development processes and best practice guidelines
Session Overview
An overview of state government planning approval processes for BESS projects, highlighting key regulatory pathways and best practice guidelines.
This session will provide insights into navigating approvals efficiently while supporting responsible and well-planned project development.
Panel Discussion
Towards slavery-free renewable energy and EVs
Summit close
Main plenary
4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Address and Key Takeaways
Advancing Responsible BESS Development: The Path Forward for a Responsible Community of Practice
Networking
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Canapes and Drinks
The Sydney
Responsible BESS Development Summit
live in
EVENT TIME
Sydney & Melbourne
8:30 AM Registration
9:00 AM Start
5:00 PM Close
MEET THE LEADING PRESENTERS & PANELISTS
MEET THE LEADING PRESENTERS & PANELISTS
DEMIAN NATAKHAN
Director & Head of Utility Services
Enhar
JOHN GRIMES
Chief Executive
Smart Energy Council
BINOWEE BAYLES
Advocate for collaboration and shared wisdom
ALEX STOKER
Energy Sector Lead (AUS)
Marshall Day Acoustics
MARGARET HARVIE
Director of Community Engagement
PlanCom Consulting
IWAN DAVIES
Director, Energy Assessments
NSW Dept of Planning & Environment
SIMONE MAUS
Making Collaboration Work
Collective Insight
MICHAEL JUTTNER
Manager, Renewables (Victoria)
Department of Transport
JARROD SPENCER
Manager – Environmental Regulation (Energy)
Department for Energy and Mining - Energy Resources Division (SA)
JAVIER PIEDRAHITA
Fire Safety Manager
NJM Design
SABIENE HEINDL
Chief Executive Officer
The Energy Charter
ANDREW BRAY
National Director
RE-Alliance
ALI ASADI
System Engineer, Project Delivery, Middle East & Asia
Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimisation
IAN FOSTER
NSW Regional Manager
Enhar
ROGER MANSFIELD
Technical Director - Commercial
Enhar
ANDREW REDDAWAY
EV Team Leader
Enhar
MATTHEW ALLEN
Specialist Risk and Fire Safety Manager
Country Fire Authority (CFA)
MICHAEL BEECROFT
Fire Engineer
Complex Infrastructure Section, Queensland Fire Department.
JAMIE HANSEN
Assistant Chief Fire Officer
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)
DANIEL JURCOLA
Director of Project Engineering, APAC
e-STORAGE
(a subsidiary of Canadian Solar),
COURTNEY PAULSEN
First Nations Engagement
Manager
AGL
OLIVER BARNES
National Business
Development Manager
EVO Power
DAVID LEITCH
Principal
ITK Services Australia
RONCH WILLNER
Head of Development
Valent Energy
DAVID O'DONOGHUE
Managing Director
Power Electronics Australia
MATT BAUMGURTEL
Partner | New Energy Lead
Hamilton Locke
JONATHAN SONG
Noise Adviser
Environment Protection Agency (EPA)
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
The Responsible BESS Summit will be held the day after the Smart Energy Council Conference and Exhibition (6 & 7 May 2026), which attracted 12,000 visitors last year. As a proud Smart Energy Council member, Enhar is will be attending their Conference and Expo and is collaborating with the Smart Energy Council team on our BESS Summit to ensure great value for visitors through the week.
WHERE INNOVATION MEETS LEADERSHIP
Our Presenters & Panelists Represent:
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OR PRESENTING AT THE SUMMIT?
