The need for large-scale energy storage has increased in recent years as more variable energy (i.e. solar and wind) has come onto the market. Technology advancements and the creation of new markets are helping to make large-scale energy storage a commercial reality.

While electricity cannot itself be stored on any scale, it can be converted to other forms of energy which can be stored and later reconverted to electricity on demand. This can help smooth out supply from variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Electricity storage systems can also provide ancillary services to the transmission system to help maintain system security and reliability.

Battery (chemical) storage

Batteries are an energy storage technology that use chemicals to absorb and release energy on demand – typically storing energy during times of low demand and releasing energy at times of peak demand. Batteries provide flexibility and can respond quickly (within fractions of a second) to maintain grid stability.

Battery use in the Australian electricity grid is expected to grow in the future due to government policies, technological advances and rapid cost decreases.

We have recently completed a feasibility study to understand the opportunities and emerging markets for battery storage, and how it might integrate with our portfolio as it evolves to provide dispatchable and renewable supply.

Southern Renewable Energy Zone battery storage project

We are progressing detailed plans for a large-scale standalone battery in the southern renewable energy zone (located near Tarong Power Station).

The proposed project could provide local employment opportunities for the South Burnett region, creating 80 full time jobs over the eight-month construction phase, and six full time jobs over the 20-year operation and maintenance phase.

The proposed 150 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system will enable us to support investment in renewables within the region and help maintain system security and reliability.

We are focussed on completing Front End Engineering Design (FEED) work for the project with a view to reaching a final investment decision in Quarter 1, 2022. Assuming positive results from the FEED study, the initial 150 MW battery with two hours storage would commence operation in 2023.

Central Renewable Energy Zone battery storage project

We are also investigating development of a 150 megawatt (MW) battery in the central renewable energy zone (located near Stanwell Power Station), with indicative commercial operations anticipated in 2024.

Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor request for tender now open!

A request for tender process has commenced for the procurement of EPC contractor/s to support the development of the proposed Southern and Central Renewable Energy Zone battery storage projects. The request for tender can be accessed via the QTender website.

Pumped hydro energy storage

We are investigating pumped hydro and chemical battery storage solutions to create value for our portfolio and to help facilitate the integration of variable renewable energy into the energy system.

Hydropower and pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) covert the energy of moving water into electricity.

PHES uses water reservoirs as a way of storing energy. Excess energy, either from the grid or a renewable energy source such as a wind or solar farm, can be used during low demand periods to pump water from a lower dam to a higher one, essentially converting the upper reservoir into a giant battery. The stored energy can then be released by returning the water through a hydroelectric turbine into the lower reservoir.

We are currently investigating a range of PHES opportunities throughout Queensland.

Opportunities and benefits

Energy storage offers advantages throughout the supply chain including:

  • allowing greater deployment of variable renewable generation;
  • increasing reliability for end users;
  • minimising the fluctuation of electricity prices;
  • improving system reliability; and
  • maximising system flexibility.

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