Skip to main content
ICON BATTERY

Powered by batteries

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a technology that stores electrical energy in batteries for later use. It acts as a buffer between energy generation and consumption, particularly crucial for integrating renewable energy sources and ensuring grid stability.

At the end of 2023, a total of twenty seven large scale batteries were under construction in Australia which are set to provide 5 GW of stored energy. In its latest Integrated System Plan, the Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts Australia will need at least 49 GW of storage by 2050.

Clean Energy Council analysis shows the average duration of the BESS is growing. Projects commissioned in 2024 averaged 2.7 hours which reflects a growing trend toward 4-hour duration batteries in the National Electricity Market (NEM) - necessary to cover evening peak periods.

Household battery uptake in Australia continues to grow, with a self-reported figure of 7% of systems installed having a battery system. Domestic battery usage will continue to expand as electric vehicles and energy independence are embraced in the market.

HOW BATTERY STORAGE WORKS

At their core, batteries store energy chemically and release it as electricity through a process called electrochemistry. When charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy - most commonly with Lithium which is the lightest metal and has the highest electrode potential. When discharging, that chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy and delivered to the grid or end users.

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) apply this principle at scale. They combine rechargeable batteries with inverters and sophisticated control systems that regulate the flow of energy. These systems store ‘excess’ electricity, often from renewable sources like solar and wind, and release it during periods of peak demand, or when generation drops.

By charging during low-demand periods and discharging when supply is tight, BESS help balance the grid and support a stable, secure electricity supply. Their ability to respond almost instantly to market signals makes them a vital part of the energy mix as we add more variable renewable generation.

Did you know:

The‌ ‌world’s‌ ‌first‌ ‌grid-scale‌ ‌lithium‌ ‌ion‌ ‌battery‌ ‌was‌ ‌commissioned‌ ‌in‌ ‌California‌ ‌in‌ ‌2012.

The Stanwell BESS is the largest battery project in Queensland.

Australia is the world’s largest exporter of Lithium.

Inside BESS pic

Our flagship projects

  • Stanwell BESS

    The Stanwell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will provide essential firming capacity to support renewable energy projects planned for Central Queensland. At 300 MW capacity and four hours storage duration, it is the largest committed battery project in Queensland.

    The BESS is being constructed onsite at Stanwell Power Station. The system consists of 324 Tesla Megapack 2XL lithium-ion units, each weighing approximately 38 tonnes. Installation is being delivered by Yurika, a Queensland Government-owned company. The project supported 80 full-time jobs during construction and will require six full-time roles for ongoing operation.

    STANWELL BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
    Tesla Battery Megapacks

  • Tarong BESS

    The Tarong Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will provide essential firming capacity to support renewable energy projects planned for Southern Queensland. At 300 MW capacity and two hours storage duration, this is the first battery system in Stanwell’s portfolio.

    The BESS is being constructed onsite at the Tarong power station and will be delivered in two stages. The system will include 164 Tesla Megapack 2XL lithium-ion units, each weighing around 38 tonnes. Installation is being carried out by Yurika, a Queensland Government-owned company. The project is expected to support 80 full-time jobs during construction and create six ongoing operational roles once complete.

    TARONG BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
    TBESS aerial view

  • Supernode BESS offtake agreement

    Located in Brendale, just north of Brisbane, the Supernode Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is being developed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.

    The project is strategically situated at the central node of the Queensland electricity transmission network, where 80 per cent of the state's electricity flows through daily. The project is part of a $2.5 billion ‘green data’ centre powered by renewables and battery storage on a 30-hectare site.

    Stanwell has a 15-year deal to purchase 100 per cent of stored energy from Stage 3 of this mega project. This offtake agreement will increase Stanwell’s energy storage portfolio by 1,010 MWh of firmed energy. Stanwell’s Asset Maintenance Company (SAMCo) will also be providing operations and maintenance services for the project.   

    The Stage 3 project is proposed to generate up to 60 jobs during construction and up to 10 ongoing jobs once operational.    

    Supernode BESS website
    Quinbrook Supernode BESS

BATTERY STORAGE INFORMATION HUB

View all Battery Power news

Subscribe to our newsletter

STANWELL SPARK

Stay up to date with quarterly news from Stanwell, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about our projects, partnerships and how we're delivering affordable, reliable and secure electricity for Queensland.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.