Queensland’s largest energy storage system starts operation

It has a 100MW of capacity.

The largest battery energy storage system (BESS) in Queensland, developed by Vena Energy Australia, has started its commercial operation.

The Wandoan South BESS, which started construction in 2020, is expected to deliver 100 megawatts (MW) of capacity to the grid and store 150MW-hours of renewable energy. This can power some 57,000 homes.

“During the day when renewables are online, the Wandoan South BESS is able to store this energy and then release it when the sun isn’t shining, the wind isn’t blowing, or other forms of generation are offline,” Markus Brokhof, AGL Chief Operating Officer, said.

“This is important for providing security to the energy market and avoiding system constraints, particularly in areas like the Darling Downs with a large local load and the potential for a high renewable energy build over the coming decade.” 

Read more: Vena Energy’s hybrid solar, battery project in Australia hits financial close

Brokhof added the Wandoan South BESS will allow AGL to leverage excess solar generation in Queensland when its Cooper’s Gap Wind Farm does not generate wind energy, or in cases when the energy market needs it.

“As the need for renewable energy in the generation mix continues to increase, technologies such as the Wandoan South BESS will be capable of storing clean energy during times of low demand and dispatched at times of low production or peak demand, making it the best solution to address the intermittency of renewable energy,” Owen Sela, Head of Vena Energy Australia, said.