Sunshine savings for Emerald with network battery completed

The Crisafulli Government is delivering energy stability for Queensland with the completion of a local network-connected battery in Emerald ready to store excess electricity produced by local rooftop solar generation. 

The newest unit in Energy Queensland’s fleet of local network-connected batteries is one 30 under construction or energised across the State. 

The statewide rollout is supporting the stability of the energy grid and enabling the use of renewable energy during peak times while seizing the opportunity offered by Queensland’s world-leading uptake of rooftop solar. 

The Crisafulli Government’s five-year roadmap for affordable, reliable and sustainable energy will include electricity generated by coal, gas and renewables, and a pragmatic approach to storing renewable power. 

The new 4MW/8MW battery can capture some of the 18.4MW of generation capacity from the 2,620 customers – 28 per cent of the community - who have installed solar panels in Emerald. 

The batteries will be used for network support and the excess capacity will be shared with a retailer to trade on the National Electricity Market, maximising the benefits of the battery for reducing network and wholesale costs. 

Eighteen batteries have already been energised around the State and a further 12 are under construction and on track to be completed this financial year. 

Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said increasing the amount of energy in the market would put downward pressure on power prices. 

“This battery in Emerald is playing a key role in supporting Ergon Energy’s networks to gain the maximum advantage from Queensland’s abundant rooftop solar systems,” Mr Janetzki said. 

“Each battery enables renewable energy to be stored locally and can support up to 500 homes in the evening peak load period, making better use of locally generated solar power when the sun goes down.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Charlie Peel 0486 186 007 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Energy Queensland now has network-connected batteries installed at Bohle Plains, Bargara, Black River, Kleinton, Tanby and Torquay. 

Stage two of the program is currently under way and will see batteries constructed at Bribie Island, Emerald, Gladstone South, Gordonvale, Howard, Kewarra, Marian South, Morayfield, Mundubbera, Raby Bay, Rasmussen, and Torrington. 

Stage three has batteries planned for Agnes Water, Clinton, Cornubia, Glenella, Hollywell, Jimboomba, Kearneys Spring, Maryborough, Millchester and Mooloolaba.