Tesla has partnered with Queensland’s publicly-owned CS Energy to build the Chinchilla Battery project, which will store renewable energy and bolster the State’s energy grid.
The Chinchilla Battery project is the first in the Kogan Creek Clean Energy Hub. It is being implemented as part of the Palaszczuk Government‘s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which aims to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2032.
The battery at the Clean Energy Hub will store wind and solar energy generated throughout the day and distribute it to Queensland households during peak nighttime hours.
The Chinchilla Battery will be able to discharge 100MW of electricity at the evening energy demand peak, enough to power 30,000 houses for two hours.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick stated that the Kogan Creek Clean Energy Hub contributes to the commitment to the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“We’re able to deliver storage like this that helps firm renewable generation because of Queensland’s publicly owned power companies,” Treasurer Dick said.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni explained that because Queenslanders have retained their energy assets in public hands, the State Government can lay out a plan to gradually transform all publicly owned coal-fired power plants into Clean Energy Hubs by 2035.
“The Kogan Creek Clean Energy Hub is the most advanced in the state, with construction to begin soon on its second project – the Kogan Renewable Hydrogen Demonstration Plant,” Minister de Brenni said.
Minister de Brenni stated that these clean energy hubs are a crucial component of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, diversifying generation technology at the State’s publicly-owned coal-fired plants and empowering local communities and workers to participate in the energy transition.
“The Chinchilla Battery will support CS Energy’s strategy to build a more diverse energy portfolio to meet our customers’ requirements and support Queensland’s future energy needs,” CS Energy Acting CEO Andrew Varvari said.
Varvari added, “When operational, the Chinchilla Battery will charge during the day when there is often a surplus of solar energy and then release it back into the grid when it is needed the most.”
Each Tesla Megapack arrived at the project site ready to install, complete with battery modules, inverters, and thermal systems. The battery installation will be connected to the grid via Powerlink’s 275 kV Western Downs substation with a relatively small footprint (100m x 150m).
The Chinchilla Battery will be tested and commissioned later this year, and it is projected to be operational in late 2023.
The State Government added that the Kogan Creek Clean Energy Hub is boosting regional Queensland’s economy. Building contractor Downer spent over $3 million on suppliers and subcontractors on the Western Downs.
