Queensland’s Planning and Environment Court has approved ACEnergy’s amended development application for its 500-megawatt Central Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project near Bouldercombe. The decision marks a significant milestone for the company’s large-scale storage infrastructure in eastern Australia.
A long-term commitment to local communities
ACEnergy has announced a benefit-sharing programme totalling AUD5.6mn ($3.6mn) to be distributed over the lifecycle of the project. The funds will be allocated to neighbouring residents, Indigenous groups, and community initiatives through a dedicated fund. The company has confirmed the establishment of a Community Reference Group to guide the fund’s distribution according to local priorities.
In parallel, several technical measures have been committed to addressing local concerns, including fire safety, visual integration, and biodiversity preservation. A 576,000-litre water tank, internal firebreaks and emergency access fire trails will be implemented prior to operations.
Approval granted under strict conditions
The Central BESS project was approved under binding conditions following extensive community consultation. All battery units will be finished in muted, non-reflective green tones and surrounded by a diverse vegetation buffer to enhance landscape integration. At the end of its operational life, the site will be fully decommissioned and rehabilitated in accordance with approved standards.
Formal collaboration with Queensland’s emergency services is also planned to develop fire safety and emergency response protocols. The company stated that community information sessions will be held in 2025 to further involve local stakeholders in the project’s ongoing oversight.
Next phase: construction to begin in 2026
ACEnergy obtained 5.3.4A access standard approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in May 2025. It is currently working with Powerlink to finalise its connection offer to the electricity grid. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026, in line with regional power stability objectives.
In addition to the technical benefits of energy storage, the company highlighted expected economic impacts. The construction and operation of the Central BESS will generate local employment and procurement opportunities according to ACEnergy’s project schedule.
