Queensland has launched its first publicly owned large-scale battery, the 100MW/200MWh Chinchilla Battery, which has now started commercial operations near Australia’s largest remaining coal power plant, Kogan Creek. The milestone was highlighted by state-owned CS Energy on LinkedIn as the first project completed at the Kogan Clean Energy Hub in Western Downs, Queensland. This site is also slated for future green hydrogen production.
Queensland’s Energy Minister, Mick de Brenni, celebrated the event on social media, stating, “Power: on. We’re converting coal-fired power stations across Queensland to drive our renewable energy future.”
The $150 million Chinchilla Battery was connected to the grid last November and has been gradually ramping up its performance. By May, it achieved a peak discharge of 93 MW and charged at its full capacity of 100 MW for nearly an hour, efficiently storing excess solar energy for use during peak evening demand.
CS Energy emphasized the rigorous commissioning process, which tested the battery under various conditions to ensure its safe and reliable operation. They acknowledged the significant contributions from their team, from the on-site operators to the traders in Brisbane managing its grid output.
Powered by Tesla Megapacks, the Chinchilla Battery is now the largest operational battery in Queensland, surpassing the earlier Wandoan (75 MW, 150 MWh) and Bouldercombe (50 MW, 100 MWh) batteries. However, it will soon be outpaced by Neoen’s Western Downs battery, which is currently being commissioned to reach its full capacity of 270 MW and 540 MWh.
Queensland’s energy storage sector is rapidly expanding, with upcoming projects at Tarong, Swanbank, and Stanwell coal power sites, as well as new batteries planned for Brendale, Linda Park, and other locations, with many more projects in the pipeline.
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