In the last 12 hours, Queensland, Australia, has heavily relied on coal for electricity generation, despite being one of the sunniest regions on the planet. The significant use of coal has left many puzzled, particularly on a sunny day when solar power should have dominated the energy mix. However, this situation is set to change dramatically.
Sam Evans, the host of the Electric Viking channel, recently highlighted this issue, pointing out the inefficiencies in the current system. “So much solar is being wasted because it’s not being stored,” Evans said. He also announced the upcoming installation of one of the world’s largest batteries in Queensland, a project that promises to transform the state’s energy landscape.
Libra Energy, an Australian developer, has unveiled plans for an 850-megawatt, 3,400-megawatt-hour long-duration battery storage system in Southeast Queensland. This massive battery is designed to absorb the excess solar energy generated during the day and release it during peak hours, between 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., when electricity demand is highest. This is a critical development, as many Queensland residents currently face high electricity costs during these peak times.
The battery, set to be developed near Ipswich, will connect to the National Electricity Market through existing power link transmission lines. This connection means that no significant changes to the grid will be necessary, allowing for a smoother and quicker integration of this new storage capacity.
Queensland is home to over 1 million rooftop solar installations, and the government has ambitious renewable energy targets: 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035. Currently, coal-fired power is the primary source of electricity in Queensland, but this will change rapidly as more batteries come online, allowing solar energy to play a more dominant role.
The new battery is expected to be operational by 2027, and it is just the beginning of a broader push for energy storage across Australia. Similar mega-battery projects are planned for Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Australia is currently third in the world for battery deployment plans, behind only China and the United States.
Libra Energy’s chairman, Rod Stevenson, emphasized the importance of this development: “With so much solar power being generated in Queensland, it is essential to proceed with a mega-battery to soak up all the excess generation.” The new battery will ensure that Queenslanders can continue to sell their excess solar energy into the grid and receive better compensation for it.
As Australia continues to expand its energy storage capabilities, the country is on track to become an energy superpower. By 2035, electricity prices in Australia could potentially decrease by 50%, providing significant savings for consumers.
This new era of renewable energy in Queensland marks a critical step towards a cleaner, more efficient energy future for the state and the nation.