Stanwell’s big battery boosted with $448m investment

The Queensland Government is investing $448.2m from the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund to boost Stanwell’s big battery.

This funding enables the battery planned for the Stanwell power station double in size, becoming the State’s largest committed battery project.

Storage will increase from 150MW / 300MWh (2hr duration) to a 300MW / 1200MWh (4hr duration) battery system.

The mega battery system will be constructed within the Stanwell power station near Rockhampton as part of the site’s transition to a clean energy hub.

Stanwell chief executive Michael O’Rourke commented on the battery.

“Dispatchable energy assets like the Stanwell BESS (battery energy storage system) are essential to a successful transformation of our energy system,” he said.

“This large-scale battery can be charged by wind and solar during period of peak renewable energy generation and discharged back into the grid during periods of high demand or to maintain grid stability.

“Our strategic goal is to have 5GW of energy storage operational by 2035.”

Queensland Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Minister Mick de Brenni welcomes the increased battery.

“By doubling the size of this battery, we’ll ensure that Central Queensland will have reliable, long lasting renewable energy for decades to come,” he said.

“Stanwell power station has proven vital over the last three decades, and thanks to its new role as a clean energy hub within the clean economy, it will remain a key asset in this regional economy into the future.”

Construction of the battery is scheduled to begin in May 2024 and the battery system is expected to be operational in mid-2027.