Responsible BESS Development Summit Sydney 2026
As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become essential for enhancing grid reliability and managing intermittent energy sources. However, the rapid growth of the BESS sector brings significant responsibilities related to safety, sustainability, and social community acceptance.
The Responsible Battery Energy Storage Development Summit is a one-day national event that brings together industry experts, community leaders, developers, asset owners, regulators, battery manufactures, construction EPCs, grid operators, and more to address these critical challenges. The summit will cover best practices for developing BESS systems that prioritise safety and responsible management of impact, while showcasing technology and strategies to manage noise and fire impact.
This Sydney-based event offers the perfect platform for industry professionals to gain invaluable insights, participate in engaging discussions, and network with peers—all while exploring solutions for making BESS projects align with the needs of all key parties: developers, landowners, communities and regulators.
TIMING
8:30 AM Registration
9:00 AM Start
5:00 PM Close
KEY TOPICS INCLUDE
Responsible BESS Development
Best practices for site selection, design and development with ‘good neighbour’ and safety outcomes at the forefront.
Battery Fire Safety
Comprehensive strategies for preventing fires and creating effective emergency response plans.
Noise Management
Technological and design innovations to reduce noise pollution from BESS operations, and best practice assessment and mitigation methodologies and case studies.
Planning System and Community Engagement
Case studies and examples of responsible siting leading to efficient planning approvals, and insights from state government planning managers as well as community leaders.
Expert Panel Discussions
Gain invaluable insights, participate in engaging discussions, and network with peers.
AGENDA:
Registration and coffee
Opening Keynote: The Role of BESS in the Australian Energy Transition
Panel Discussion: Ensuring Responsible BESS Development: Safety, Ethics, and Sustainability
Session 1: Battery Fire Safety: Prevention and Emergency Response Planning
Tea Break and Sponsor Networking
Session 2: Fire Safety Panel Discussion
Session 3: Noise Management for BESS projects: Holistic Technological and Design Innovations
Panel Discussion: Noise Management
Lunch Break and Sponsor Networking
Panel Discussion: Community Engagement, First Nations and Social License to Operate: Ensuring Long-Term Success by Building Trust and Collaboration
Session 4: Planning approvals for responsible project success: State government lessons learned
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.
Closing Address and Key Takeaways: Advancing Responsible BESS Development: The Path Forward for a Responsible Community of Practice
Networking & Event Close
Date:
Friday 8th May 2026
Time:
8:30am
If you are attending in person, arrive from 2:30pm to enjoy snacks. Drinks and networking from 4:00pm.
In person address: Conference room, Ground floor, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton VIC 3053.
Location is 5 mins walk from Victoria Market tram stop. On street parking available."
Venue: Mercure Sydney, 818-820 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
- In-person event tickets
- Ask questions of the presenters
- Delegate bag and materials
- Networking with peers
- View demos and exhibits from sponsors
- Catering throughout the day included
If you are attending in person, arrive from 2:30pm to enjoy snacks. Drinks and networking from 4:00pm.
In person address: Conference room, Ground floor, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton VIC 3053.
Location is 5 mins walk from Victoria Market tram stop. On street parking available."
As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become essential for enhancing grid reliability and managing intermittent energy sources. However, the rapid growth of the BESS sector brings significant responsibilities related to safety, sustainability, and social community acceptance.
The Responsible Battery Energy Storage Development Summit is a one-day national event that brings together industry experts, community leaders, developers, asset owners, regulators, battery manufactures, construction EPCs, grid operators, and more to address these critical challenges. The summit will cover best practices for developing BESS systems that prioritise safety and responsible management of impact, while showcasing technology and strategies to manage noise and fire impact.
This Sydney-based first of its kind event offers the perfect platform for industry professionals to gain invaluable insights, participate in engaging discussions, and network with peers—all while exploring solutions for making BESS safer and more sustainable.