$24 million investment in flow batteries supports local battery companies

• Palaszczuk Government-funded pilot project will deliver new locally developed iron and zinc flow batteries
• $12 million zinc-bromine flow battery from Redflow with the preferred site identified at Ipswich, plus a $12 million iron flow battery from Energy Storage Industries - Asia Pacific (ESI), with the preferred site in the Wide Bay region.
• The trial of zinc-bromine and iron flow battery technologies is part of Energy Queensland’s network battery program which will determine how to use batteries to bring down bills.

The Palaszczuk Government’s $24 million investment into flow batteries from local manufacturers will support the next stage of Queensland’s local battery capability,  helping the state to meet its renewable energy commitments

The new battery projects will use zinc-bromine and iron flow technologies, which are both alternatives to the more common lithium-ion battery systems which predominantly are manufactured off-shore.

Energy Queensland’s network battery program aims to support local Queensland companies to help develop local industries in battery storage technologies which are fundamental for the energy transition.

Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“Queensland business Redflow recently received investment from the Californian Energy Commission to deliver a 20-megawatt hour storage project.

“These projects build on our announcement to trial a vanadium flow battery in partnership with Vecco and Sumitomo Electric. 

“If we don’t back investment in batteries in Queensland we will see investment go offshore.

“Our government is backing local manufacturing of batteries because that means more jobs across more regions in Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to the Energy Minister, Mick de Brenni:

“We are bringing down bills for Queenslanders, and this is just one extra way we’re putting downward pressure on prices and developing local jobs in manufacturing.

“These new zinc-bromine and iron flow battery projects are an important part of the transformation of Queensland’s energy system to deliver clean, reliable and affordable energy to provide power for generations.

“These projects will support jobs both directly, and through the supply chain, meaning more jobs for Queenslanders, while using Queensland minerals in Queensland will benefit communities as far reaching as Mount Isa to Mount Cotton.  

“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is bringing more jobs in more industries to the Sunshine State, and revitalising Queensland’s domestic manufacturing sector through projects like this.

“These new flow battery projects are just one of the ways we are enabling the transition to a low carbon energy future and, ultimately, helping to keep electricity prices down.”

Quotes attributable to Energy Queensland’s Chief Engineer, Peter Price:

“The new zinc-bromine and iron flow battery projects are an important trial for Energy Queensland as it is a step towards diversifying our overall battery program away from the more commonly available lithium battery systems,” Mr Price said.

“These two projects will help our understanding of the benefits and possible challenges of distribution-connected energy storage.

“The batteries will be located close to areas of high solar penetration, while supporting the whole electricity supply chain, alongside other complementary solutions to maximise the growing uptake of renewable energy.

“Exploring flow batteries will help us to understand the benefits of emerging battery storage technology.”

Quotes attributable to Redflow’s CEO and Managing Director, Tim Harris:

“As a proud Queensland business with world leading technology developed right here in Queensland, we are excited to be working with Energy Queensland to further validate our energy storage technology and its importance to the transition to net zero targets,” Mr Harris said.

“Huge amounts of stationary energy storage will be required to meet the Queensland Government’s renewable targets and deliver the Queensland Energy and Jobs plan. Redflow is a proud locally developed business that has invested in Queensland for over 15 years that can deliver an operationally proven, commercial product to the market today.

“The Queensland Government Battery Industry Opportunities for Queensland discussion paper highlighted the potential energy storage demand in Queensland could reach up to 14 GWh by 2030. Redflow’s locally developed solution can deliver the medium to long duration storage for these requirements, which will enable us to invest more locally and create more jobs right here in Queensland.

“This project is the next stage of our partnership with Energy Queensland following our joint Memorandum of Understanding in February 2023. We are excited to be working with Energy Queensland on this project and the State Government to support the energy transition required to meet the emission reduction targets.”

Quotes attributable to ESI’s Managing Director, Stuart Parry:

“Queensland is at the forefront of battery technology development and ESI is helping reinforce this state’s reputation as a leader in the renewable energy economy,” Mr Parry said.

“ESI is a Queensland-based and Australian owned company that is supporting jobs and investment in the regions through the manufacture of reliable and environmentally friendly iron flow batteries.

“We are establishing a $70 million battery assembly facility in Maryborough and, as part of a joint venture with another Queensland company, will make the electrolyte solution in Townsville.

“We look forward to working with Energy Queensland to deliver this pilot project as an important step in bringing this sustainable energy storage technology to scale and underpinning Queensland’s energy transformation.” 

More information:

• The flow batteries are a part of Energy Queensland’s battery program which supports the uptake of more rooftop renewable energy.
• Distribution network connected batteries will be critical to enabling Queensland’s renewable energy targets.
• For more detailed information about the zinc-bromine flow battery, visit ZBM3 Battery – Redflow and for iron flow batteries visit ESI Asia Pacific Pty Ltd (esiap.com.au)

ENDS

Media contacts

Minister’s office – Elise Williams 0482 503 675

Energy Queensland – Justin Coomber 0437 472 442

Redflow – Maree Mills 0401 233 138

ESI - Paul Larter 0400 776 937.