Akaysha Energy starts building Queensland’s 205 MW energy storage system

Commercial operation is expected by 2026.

Akaysha Energy has commenced the construction of the 205 megawatt / 410 megawatt-hour (MWh) Brendale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which is one of the largest energy storage facilities in Queensland.

In a statement, Akaysha Energy said the BESS will launch commercial operations in 2026 and is expected to reduce electricity costs and enhance grid stability in the Australian state.

The $200-m Brendale BESS is located on UnityWater’s 3.7-acre site next to the South Pine substation, the central node of Queensland’s electricity grid. It will feature Tesla Megapack technology whilst the Balance of Plant will be delivered by Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd.

Its storage capacity can power up to 300,000 homes during a blackout.

“The project will provide energy arbitrage and frequency control ancillary services to support the NEM [national electricity market] and facilitate the integration of solar and wind projects by leveraging existing transmission infrastructure in the region,” Akaysha Energy said.

The company earlier announced that it was able to raise around $164.4m (A$250m) in debt to support the construction of Brendale BESS and the Ulinda Park with a total capacity of 700 MWh.