How power stations and batteries are reinventing reliability

In the shadow of two of Queensland’s most reliable coal-fired power stations that generate more than a third of the State’s electricity – something new is taking shape.

Cooling towers and turbine halls that have powered homes and industries for decades are now sharing their skyline with sleek, modern battery units. It’s old meets new and a symbol of a diversifying energy landscape.

At Stanwell Power Station in Rockhampton and Tarong power stations in the South Burnett, electricity generation and storage are set to work side by side to build a stronger, more reliable energy system for Queensland.

What’s being built?

Two big batteries are taking shape at Stanwell’s power station sites and are set to redefine how it stores and delivers electricity. The Stanwell Battery – at 1200 megawatt hours (MWh) - ranks among the largest of its kind in the state, while a 600 megawatt hour battery will bolster Tarong power stations’ energy capacity. With the addition of a third major battery project in Brisbane, secured through a long-term offtake agreement, Stanwell’s total storage capacity will reach 2.8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) across all three sites.

• At Tarong Power Station in the South Burnett, a 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery is in its final stages of commissioning.

• At Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton, construction is halfway complete on a 1200 MWh battery.

• Through a long-term agreement with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, Stanwell has secured 1010 MWh of capacity from Stage 3 of the Supernode Battery Energy Storage Project near Brendale, north of Brisbane.

Why batteries matter

Electricity demand is rising, driven by growing electrification of homes, business and industry. At the same time, Australia’s coal-fired power stations, which have been the backbone of the National Electricity Market (NEM), are nearing retirement. Renewables like wind and solar are now major players in the NEM. But they’re weather-dependent and we know that the sun doesn’t shine at night, and the wind doesn’t always blow when we need it. That’s where batteries come in. For decades, electricity had to be used the moment it was generated. But batteries have changed the game—making it possible to store energy when it’s abundant and release it when demand peaks. They’re fast, flexible and reliable. And they’re helping to build a smarter, more resilient energy system for Queensland.

How do batteries work?

Think of batteries as the ultimate energy backup—quietly charging when the sun is shining and the grid is humming, then springing into action when demand surges. On sunny afternoons, they soak up excess energy. In the evening, when busy families are cooking dinner, or running their air conditioners, and turning on their TVs, batteries release that stored power—keeping homes running smoothly and the grid balanced. They work by converting electricity into chemical energy, then reversing the process when it’s needed most. And they do it in fractions of a second—responding instantly to shifts in demand. These high-performance units can charge and discharge multiple times a day, adapting to the rhythm of Queensland’s energy needs. Their output is incredibly flexible too.

Take the Stanwell Battery: it can deliver 100 megawatts (MW) of energy—enough to power 120,000 homes for up to 12 hours. Or, it can ramp up to 300 MW for four hours, covering the critical evening peak when demand is at its highest. This is firming technology in action, ensuring electricity is available exactly when it’s needed, even when renewable generation dips or demand surges.

Why build batteries at power stations?

Stanwell’s power stations are already connected to the grid, supported by skilled teams and strong infrastructure. Building batteries at these sites is smart, efficient and cost-effective, the perfect launchpad for the next generation of energy storage.

Old meets new

Stanwell’s deep experience operating and maintaining reliable coal-fired power stations is now powering a broader vision, one that includes batteries, renewables, and firming technologies to meet Queensland’s growing energy needs. These projects will complement our existing generators, helping build a more flexible, reliable energy system—one that can adapt to changing needs and support Queensland’s growth and demand. It means we can continue to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Queensland, our customers and the NEM.