Battery bonanza to charge Queensland's renewables future

• Miles Government invests $179 million for stages three and four of its local network-connected batteries program.
• Stage three of this program will see 4MW/8MWh batteries built in 12 communities across the state.
• Stage four will see a trial of two flow batteries from Queensland manufacturers to supporting a local battery industry.
• This project will generate and support direct and indirect jobs in these communities.  

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Premier Steven Miles has today announced a $179 million investment in the next stages of its successful local network connected batteries program.

The funding, sourced from the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund, will see 12 new local network-connected batteries installed across the state.

The package will also enable the installation of two flow batteries from Queensland manufacturers.

This will enable Energy Queensland to help develop a local battery industry, provide a proving ground for the technology developing pathways for flow battery inclusion in future battery programs.

Stage one of the program delivered five network-connected batteries built at Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Townsville and Yeppoon.

Stage two is currently in delivery, with battery construction underway on 12 batteries in Cairns (two sites), Townsville, Mackay, Emerald, Mundubbera, Gladstone, Howard, Toowoomba, Raby Bay, Morayfield and Bribie Island in the Brisbane area.

Stage three will deliver 12 additional 4MW/8MWh batteries. Energy Queensland will now scope locations, with Mooloolaba, Runaway Bay, Cornubia; Jimboomba, Woodridge, Yatala, Barcaldine, Dalby Central, Glenella, Toowoomba, Milchester and Maryborough currently being considered.

Stage four includes the trial of two flow batteries. Sites are currently being considered in Burrum Heads and Ipswich.

The battery program is central to the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan by maximising the benefits of rooftop solar and bolstering the electricity distribution network.

These batteries are in areas with high solar penetration and will be used to support the energy network during times of peak demand.

Each battery has the same capacity as the electricity required to support an average home for more than a year.

Stages three and four will take Energy Queensland's battery fleet to a total of 29.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

”Queenslanders are world leaders when it comes to rooftop solar.

”We have the highest rate of rooftop solar anywhere in Australia so it's only night that we equip our energy network to keep pace with the high rates of solar generation.

"This battery program is fundamental to our success in achieving 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

“Additionally, flow battery development is an opportunity for Queensland battery manufacturers - supporting good jobs, training and supply chains right around the state.

“Our state has renewable energy capabilities the world is looking for and my government has the plans in place to capitalize on the opportunities that brings.

"That means we generate cheaper, cleaner energy to power your home now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Energy Minister Mick de Brenni:

“These batteries will take the heat out of the peak demand periods, and that puts downward pressure on electricity prices, benefiting households and businesses.” 

“Investing in batteries helps build the clean energy supply chain, creating business opportunities and jobs for Queenslanders.”

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

"Stage one of the program saw five local network-connected batteries built across Queensland, with stage two currently under way to add another 12 batteries." Mr Price said.

"Stage three of the project will build off what we have leant from the past sites developed in stage one and two, to ensure that efficiencies and benefits are continually added into the program.

"Stage four of the plan will be particularly exciting as it will investigate the suitability of two batteries as an alternative to lithium batteries, with the added bonus of potentially kickstarting a local battery industry.

"By basing the batteries in communities where there are large volumes of roof top solar means renewable energy will be generated locally, stored locally, and then used locally, reducing the pressure on the network.

"With these battery projects we're aiming for a win-win-win scenario that achieves the energy trifecta for communities throughout the state - affordability, security and sustainability." 

ENDS