Emerald Joins CQ Big Battery Blitz to Revolutionize Central Queensland’s Energy Sector
Introduction
Emerald, located in Central Queensland, is set to become the next large-scale network-connected battery site in the region. The new battery is part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and is publicly owned by Ergon Energy. This move is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s initiative to bring affordable renewable energy to communities in Queensland, especially those with a high concentration of rooftop solar systems.
Second Central Queensland Battery to Support Renewable Energy
The new battery in Emerald is the second large-scale, electricity network-connected battery in Central Queensland after the Tanby facility was switched on last year. It has a capacity of 8MWh of energy with 4MW of power for up to 2 hours. The battery will allow locals to capture cheap renewable energy and drive down power bills, easing the cost of living. Emerald is home to over 1,920 solar systems, and the new battery will support additional solar energy in the local area over the next decade.
Quotes from Government Officials
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke believes that the renewable energy revolution in Central Queensland will create more good jobs and boost the economy. He proudly acknowledges that publicly owned transmission and distribution companies Powerlink and Ergon Energy are leading the way.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga recently joined the Premier to announce that Stanwell Power Station will build a 150MW Tesla Megapack system near Stanwell. The battery will be strategically located to soak up the region’s cheap renewable energy, creating around 80 full-time jobs over the construction phases and six full-time jobs over the 20-year operation and maintenance phases.
Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner highlighted the benefits of the new battery project in Emerald. He stated that it will support additional solar energy in the local area over the next decade, providing the community with energy security, affordability, and sustainability. He also believes that publicly owned energy companies will create good local jobs.
Glenn Dahlenburg, Energy Queensland’s General Manager for Energy Storage, believes that the new battery in Emerald will ensure that the energy generated locally stays locally, instead of putting pressure on upstream infrastructure. Battery storage will give them greater flexibility to connect rooftop solar, balance supply and demand, and keep voltages in check, which is vital for the security of the network that powers Queensland.
Queensland’s Renewable Energy Future
The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan aims to provide cheaper, cleaner, and secure energy for Queenslanders, powering good jobs in new regional industries. The Queensland SuperGrid, Australia’s largest, will transport renewable energy and power industry and households. Local network-connected batteries will play a key role in supporting households and businesses to install more rooftop solar, putting more downward pressure on bills and easing the cost of living. With 1 in 3 Queensland homes using solar, the nation’s biggest power station is Queensland’s rooftop solar, and now Emerald can play a leading role in our growth to 70% renewables by 2032.
Conclusion
The new battery in Emerald is set to revolutionize Central Queensland’s energy sector. It will support additional solar energy in the local area over the next decade, providing the community with energy security, affordability, and sustainability. This move is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s initiative to bring affordable renewable energy to communities in Queensland, especially those with a high concentration of rooftop solar systems.