Neoen has unveiled plans to significantly expand its Western Downs Battery, increasing its total installed capacity to 270 MW / 540 MWh.
This extension will be delivered by Tesla and construction contractor UGL. The initial phase of the project was initiated in January 2023 with a 200 MW / 400 MWh contracted capacity.
Situated in South West Queensland, Australia, the upgraded battery facility aims to play a pivotal role in Queensland’s rapidly advancing energy transition.
Western Downs Battery Expansion - Project Summary
Key Information | Details |
Project Owner | Neoen |
Contractors | Tesla and UGL |
Project Location | Queensland, Australia |
Project Timelines |
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Battery Details and Capacity |
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Other Project Features |
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Western Downs Battery - Project Details
The Western Downs Battery project is strategically integrated into Neoen’s existing Western Downs Green Power Hub. This impressive hub encompasses Australia’s largest solar farm, boasting a substantial capacity of 460 MWp, which was recently commissioned.
The project is already underway, with early construction activities in progress, and it is projected to commence operations during the Australian summer of 2024/25, with significant advance in earthworks.
With a primary goal of modernizing and stabilizing the Queensland grid, the Western Downs Battery is a versatile asset, capable of fulfilling several critical roles, such as firming renewables, delivering frequency services, and providing essential support to the transmission network.
The battery will also be equipped with advanced grid-forming inverter technology, which enables it to provide vital system stability services typically offered by synchronous generation sources like coal and gas power plants.
Powerlink, the transmission network operator in Queensland, will be responsible for the project’s connection works. A dedicated high-voltage line will link the battery to the Western Downs substation
Western Downs Battery - Expansion
The Western Downs Battery was initially planned with a capacity of 200 MW / 400 MWh, and this expansion to 270 MW / 540 MWh solidifies Neoen’s position as one of the market leaders in large-scale batteries within Australia.
With this substantial increase in capacity, the battery will assume an even more central and influential role in Queensland’s rapidly accelerating energy transition.
As the demand for storage and related network services continues to surge, the expanded battery’s capabilities will be instrumental in meeting the evolving needs of the region’s dynamic energy landscape.
