FYI: Expansions to one of Australia’s largest battery energy storage systems have kicked off in Queensland with significant investments and support from local government to transition towards renewable energy.
Stanwell Battery Storage Expansion: A Leap Towards Renewable Energy
Construction has commenced on the expansion of a battery energy storage system (BESS) in Queensland, Australia, that stands to be one of the largest in the state. The project deploys 324 of Tesla’s 2XL Megapack units, creating a formidable 300MW/1,200MWh BESS initiative.
Investment and Location
The Queensland government has invested $448.2 million into this major project, which is being constructed adjacent to a soon-to-close coal plant in Stanwell. This underscores the state’s commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, emphasized the project’s significance. “This battery project is the largest of its kind in Queensland and will create around 80 jobs in construction,” de Brenni highlighted. He added, “When batteries like this are publicly owned, Queenslanders benefit directly, not overseas shareholders. Our goal is to keep power bills low for all Queenslanders by increasing our investment in renewable energy and storage.”
Broader Renewable Vision
The expansions to the Stanwell battery are part of a larger vision by Stanwell Corporation. Alongside the Stanwell project, other significant initiatives include large batteries in Tarong and Callide. The company aims to invest in a total of 5GW worth of renewable projects, focusing on replacing fossil fuel generation with state-of-the-art energy storage, wind, and solar power infrastructure.
Transition Timeline
Coal generators located in Stanwell, Tarong, and Callide are set to begin phasing out in 2026 and 2027. These plants will, however, continue to operate during peak demand hours until they are fully decommissioned.
Nationwide Battery Projects
This expansion aligns with other significant battery storage projects across Australia. For context:
- A 415MW/1,660 MWh Tesla Megapack battery is being constructed in Orana, New South Wales.
- An upcoming 600MW/1,600MWh project in Melbourne.
- An expansion aimed at increasing capacity at Collie to 560 MW/2,240 MWh.
These developments highlight Australia’s aggressive adoption of renewable energy solutions and battery storage technologies.
Conclusion
The Stanwell battery project represents a significant step forward in Queensland’s energy transition. By investing in large-scale battery storage, the state not only enhances its electricity reliability but also ensures a greener and more sustainable future.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
