Neoen announces the expansion of its Western Downs battery in Queensland. It will have a capacity of 270 MW / 540 MWh Western.
Neoen expands its Western Downs battery to support Queensland’s energy transition
Downs Battery will play an even more central role in Queensland’s accelerated energy transition. Initially planned at 200 MW / 400 MWh and currently under construction. The battery is located in Neoen’s Western Downs Green Power Hub, next to its 460 MWp solar farm. In particular, the expansion of Western Downs Battery cements Neoen’s position as the leading owner and operator of large Australian batteries. Neoen, one of the world’s leading producers of renewable energy, has announced the expansion of its Western Downs battery. This expansion will have a total installed capacity of 270 MW / 540 MWh.
The extension will be carried out by Tesla and construction contractor UGL (a member of the COCIM Group). They began construction of the initial stage of the project in January 2023. The project is located in the Barunggam countryside near the town of Chinchilla in south-west Queensland. With its greater capacity, the battery intends to play an even more central role in Queensland’s accelerated energy transition. This has led to a growing need for storage and related network services.
The Western Downs battery, made up of Tesla Megapack 2XL units, uses the existing infrastructure of Neoen’s Western Downs Green Power Hub. The Hub includes Australia’s largest solar power plant, with a capacity of 460 MWp. Recently commissioned. The transmission system operator, Powerlink, will deliver the connection work for the project. As well as a dedicated high-voltage line to the Western Downs substation. The battery is due to start operating in the Australian summer of 2024/25.
A new step towards a clean energy future: Neoen expands the Western Downs battery in Australia
Western Downs Battery will be able to offer a range of network services. This includes boosting renewable energies, providing frequency services and supporting the transmission grid. Thanks to support from ARENA’s large-scale battery storage funding round. Ultimately, the battery will equip an inverter forming a network that will enable it to provide essential system stability services.
The expansion of Western Downs Battery, initially planned at 200 MW / 400 MWh, confirms Neoen’s position as the leading owner and operator of large batteries in Australia. The company already owns and operates the large 300 MW / 450 MWh Victorian battery in Geelong. As well as the 150 MW / 193.5 MWh power reserve at Hornsdale in South Australia. It has three other batteries under construction, including the 4-hour 219 MW / 877 MWh Collie Battery in Western Australia.
Louis de Sambucy, CEO of Neoen Australia, said: “We are delighted to expand the Western Downs battery, demonstrating our commitment to playing an increasingly central role in Queensland’s rapid decarbonization. We would like to thank Tesla, UGL and Powerlink for their hard work and continued commitment to making this project a reality. We are delighted to have large batteries in service or under construction in five Australian states and territories.”
Paul Simshauser, CEO of Powerlink Queensland, said: “Batteries will continue to play a vital role in the changing generation mix as we work towards a low-emissions future. Increasing the capacity of Neoen’s Western Downs battery to store Queensland’s valuable wind and solar resources will help keep the grid in a safe operational state and provide greater stability for Queenslanders.”
Xavier Barbaro, Chairman and CEO of Neoen, concluded: “I would like to thank the Neoen Australia team for building Queensland’s most powerful battery. It illustrates once again our commitment to accelerate investment in battery storage, with durations capable of delivering a wider range of services and solutions. As a leading player in storage, with expertise developed over many years, Neoen is unlocking the full potential of renewable energy. We are proud to make an increasingly valuable contribution to a clean energy future for Australia and the rest of the world.”
