The Queensland Government has announced it is doubling the capacity of state-owned Stanwell’s Central Queensland Battery Energy Storage System.
Related article: Queensland previews future Stanwell Clean Energy Hub
Stanwell is partnering with Tesla and Yurika to build the giant battery system capable of supplying energy into the grid for up to four hours—making it the largest committed battery project in Queensland.
The battery’s storage capacity will increase from 150MW/300MWh (two-hour duration) to a 300MW/1,200MWh (four-hour duration) battery system.
This mega battery system will be constructed within the Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton, as part of the site’s transition to a Clean Energy Hub.
Construction of the large-scale battery is scheduled to commence in May 2024 and the battery system is due to be operational in mid-2027.
The project is underpinned by $448.2 million in funding from the state government’s Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Job Fund.
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said, “Dispatchable energy assets like the Stanwell BESS are essential to a successful transformation of our energy system.
“This large-scale battery can be charged by wind and solar during periods of peak renewable energy generation and discharged back into the grid during periods of high demand or to maintain grid stability.
“Our strategic goal is to have 5GW of energy storage operational by 2035.
Related article: Octopus snaps up Queensland’s largest proposed battery
“This project increases Stanwell’s dispatchable energy capacity and is critical to Queensland’s energy future—providing clean, reliable energy and generating employment opportunities, investment and growth for Central Queensland.”
