Tesla has joined forces with Queensland’s publicly owned CS Energy to build one of the state’s largest batteries, to store renewable energy and strengthen Queensland’s energy grid.

The Chinchilla Battery project is the first project in the Kogan Creek Clean Energy Hub and is being delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which has committed to delivering 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032.

The Clean Energy Hub’s battery will store wind and solar energy generated throughout the day, to be distributed to Queensland households during the peak evening periods.

During the evening energy demand peak, the Chinchilla Battery will be able to discharge 100MW of electricity, enough to power 30,000 homes for two hours.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni said because energy assets are publicly owned, the government is able to set out a pathway to progressively convert all publicly owned coal-fired power stations 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.

CS Energy Acting CEO Andrew Varvari said batteries are fast and flexible, with the ability to ramp up and down quickly to support the stability of the power and reduce wholesale price volatility.

“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 has arrived at site ready to install with fully integrated battery modules, inverters and thermal systems.

The battery project has a relatively small footprint (100m x 150m) and will be connected to the grid via Powerlink’s 275 kV Western Downs substation.

Testing and commissioning of the Chinchilla Battery will be carried out later this year and the battery is expected to be operational in late 2023.