Global renewable energy leader X-ELIO has announced a significant expansion of its Blue Grass Solar Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.
The company plans to add a 148 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to the existing solar facility, marking X-ELIO’s first hybrid solar and storage project in Australia.
The BESS expansion will be implemented in two stages.
The first phase will see a 60 MW BESS reach mechanical completion by Q3 2025, followed by an additional 88 MW BESS with completion anticipated by Q3 2026.
Inaugurated in November 2022, the Blue Grass Solar Farm currently boasts a 200 MW capacity, generating 420 GWh of green energy annually.
The addition of BESS technology will significantly enhance the farm’s capabilities by deploying grid-forming battery inverters and transforming it into a hybrid power source capable of providing essential grid services.
The integration of battery systems will allow the solar farm to store excess energy generated during peak solar hours and release it during high-demand or low solar generation periods.
This will enable participation in grid services and enhance overall energy reliability and grid stability.
Mirko Molinari, Chief Commercial Officer at X-ELIO, commented on the expansion: “This project will support grid resiliency in Queensland and enhance our solar farm’s resilience to price volatility. We are excited about the prospects of BESS in Australia and believe its deployment greatly supports grids with high renewables penetration.”
The Blue Grass Solar Farm plays a crucial role in supporting Queensland’s Renewable Energy Target (QRET).
It contributes to the state government’s plan to generate 70 per cent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2032, and 80 per cent by 2035, as part of the broader Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
This expansion represents a significant step forward in X-ELIO’s commitment to renewable energy and grid stability in Australia.
As the country continues to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources, projects like this will play a crucial role in ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
