One of Queensland’s largest battery projects, the Stanwell Battery, is approaching the halfway mark of its construction, with the final Tesla Megapack units now delivered and installed onsite.
Three hundred and twenty-four Tesla Megapacks, each weighing 38 tonnes, have been transported by truck from the Port of Brisbane and installed at the Stanwell Power Station site near Rockhampton.
Together, the units make up the 300MW with up to four-hour duration (1200MWh) battery and forms a key part of Stanwell’s broader 2.8GWh battery firming portfolio.
Related article: First Megapack units arrive for Stanwell Battery
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said big battery projects like the Stanwell Battery were essential for the future of Queensland’s energy system as it continues to diversify.
“By investing in large-scale storage projects, we’re creating a more resilient energy system and positioning ourselves to meet the needs of customers and the National Electricity Market for decades to come,” O’Rourke said.
“Batteries provide reliable, dispatchable energy and are needed as our energy system diversifies. They are critical for us to be able to continue to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Queensland, our customers and the National Electricity Market.
“Batteries work by storing excess energy during periods of high generation and releases it when demand peaks or generation dips. Their ability to rapidly respond when needed will help stabilise the grid in real time.
“The Stanwell Battery complements our existing generation assets and is a key step in maximising the value of our sites and leveraging our skilled workforce and strong network connections to deliver future-ready energy solutions.”
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With robust fire safety measures, advanced monitoring, and substantial buffer zones, energy storage systems like the Stanwell Battery are one of the safest kind of large scale batteries.
Now that all the Megapacks are in place, work is underway to connect them to medium-voltage transformers, laying high-voltage underground conduits and feeder cables, and preparing for the arrival of the second switch room.
Construction of Stanwell Battery started in 2024 and is scheduled to commence operation in May 2027.
