Qld's newest grid-connected battery
Installation is nearing completion on a new grid-connected Tesla battery near Bundaberg, with the aim of helping residents around Bargara and Bundaberg to get the most out of their solar panels.
Queensland has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar installation in the world, according to the state’s Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick, and there are times on sunny days when generation far outstrips demand.
“Batteries like this one being installed near Bargara allow us to store that excess energy for use in the evening,” the Minister said.
Bargara is one of five sites chosen across the state in a network-connected battery trial being run by Energy Queensland, along with Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Townsville and Yeppoon.
“In total, these network-connected batteries will collectively store up to 40 MWh, enough energy to power 2400 households,” Minister Dick said.
“The battery, transformer and cables are now all in their final positions in Bargara, with full energisation of the site expected in June.”
Bargara and the other battery sites were chosen due to their proximity to existing infrastructure, ensuring lower project costs, faster deployment and ease of connection to the network.
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said the Bargara battery would be a boon for the local community. “The energy stored in this system is enough to run 478 average homes for one day, which is great news for the local area,” he said.
“Distribution-connected batteries will be critical to enabling Queensland’s renewable energy target of 50% by 2030.
“By basing the batteries in the community, it means renewable energy will be generated locally, stored locally and then used locally, avoiding network energy losses.”
Yurika, part of Energy Queensland, has led the construction for all five network-connected batteries. Energy Queensland Executive General Manager (Customer) Michael Dart said the company is proud to be delivering the Bargara battery system in such a short timeframe.
“The experience Energy Queensland gained from our two previous network-connected battery projects in Townsville has been invaluable as it has meant a very short delivery timeframe for this project here at Bargara,” he said.
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