A Queensland Government-funded pilot project will deliver new locally developed iron and zinc flow batteries.
The Queensland Government’s investment includes $12 million zinc-bromine flow battery from Redflow with the preferred site identified at Ipswich, plus a $12 million iron flow battery from Energy Storage Industries – Asia Pacific (ESI), with the preferred site in the Wide Bay region.
The new battery projects will use zinc-bromine and iron flow technologies, which are both alternatives to the more common lithium-ion battery systems which are predominantly manufactured offshore.
Energy Queensland’s network battery program aims to support local Queensland companies to help develop local industries in battery storage technologies which are fundamental for the energy transition.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said if investment in batteries is not supported in Queensland, investment will go offshore.
“Our government is backing local manufacturing of batteries because that means more jobs across more regions in Queensland.”
Energy Queensland’s Chief Engineer, Peter Price said the the new zinc-bromine and iron flow battery projects are an important trial for Energy Queensland as it is a step towards diversifying our overall battery program away from the more commonly available lithium battery systems.
“These two projects will help our understanding of the benefits and possible challenges of distribution-connected energy storage.
“The batteries will be located close to areas of high solar penetration, while supporting the whole electricity supply chain, alongside other complementary solutions to maximise the growing uptake of renewable energy.
“Exploring flow batteries will help us to understand the benefits of emerging battery storage technology.”
Redflow’s CEO and Managing Director, Tim Harris said they are excited to work with Energy Queensland to further validate the company’s energy storage technology.
“Huge amounts of stationary energy storage will be required to meet the Queensland Government’s renewable targets and deliver the Queensland Energy and Jobs plan.
“The Queensland Government Battery Industry Opportunities for Queensland discussion paper highlighted the potential energy storage demand in Queensland could reach up to 14 GWh by 2030.
“Redflow’s locally developed solution can deliver the medium to long duration storage for these requirements, which will enable us to invest more locally and create more jobs right here in Queensland.
“This project is the next stage of our partnership with Energy Queensland following our joint Memorandum of Understanding in February 2023. We are excited to be working with Energy Queensland on this project and the State Government to support the energy transition required to meet the emission reduction targets.”
Redflow recently also received investment from the Californian Energy Commission to deliver a 20-megawatt hour storage project.
ESI’s Managing Director, Stuart Parry said: “We are establishing a $70 million battery assembly facility in Maryborough and, as part of a joint venture with another Queensland company, will make the electrolyte solution in Townsville.
“We look forward to working with Energy Queensland to deliver this pilot project as an important step in bringing this sustainable energy storage technology to scale and underpinning Queensland’s energy transformation.”
For more detailed information about the zinc-bromine flow battery, visit ZBM3 Battery – Redflow and for iron flow batteries visit ESI Asia Pacific Pty Ltd.
