Renewable energy generation

A renewable energy facility generates electricity using sources such as hydropower, solar energy or wind energy connected to the electricity grid via the transmission or distribution network. Examples of a renewable energy facility include a hydrogen plant, hydroelectric power plant, solar farm or wind farm.

Battery energy storage systems, thermal energy storage systems, pumped hydro or hydrogen gas production may also be used to store the excess energy generated and supply it to the network during peak demand periods.

A renewable energy facility must be electrically safe.

Constructing a renewable energy facility or storage system involves high risk construction work and exposure to electrical risks that can cause serious injuries or death. There are risks from working on or near live parts of electrical installations, electrical equipment and working near overhead powerlines or underground electrical cables. These hazards may be due to:

• non-compliant or unsuitable installations or equipment
• poor working practices or supervision
• failure to provide safe work instructions
• failure to have suitable access and lock out procedures or barriers or exclusion zones
• failure of components
• lack of maintenance.

Persons conducting a business or undertaking must ensure the safety of every worker and visitor. This includes duties and responsibilities throughout the life cycle of a renewable energy facility or energy storage system; from the design and construction phases through to the operation, maintenance and decommissioning phases.