The Queensland Government has announced a major expansion of Stanwell's Central Queensland battery energy storage system. 

The expansion, which will double the battery's capacity, is a collaboration between Stanwell, Tesla, and Yurika. 

The enhanced system will be a 300MW battery capable of supplying energy to the grid for up to four hours, making it the largest battery project in Queensland.

The project, supported by $448.2 million from the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Job Fund, is part of the broader Stanwell Clean Energy Hub initiative, and aims to increase the battery's storage capacity from 150MW/300MWh to 300MW/1,200MWh.

The total project cost is $747 million and it is expected to create up to 80 full-time jobs during construction and six full-time operational roles. 

Construction is set to begin this month, with the battery system anticipated to be operational by mid-2027.

“Dispatchable energy assets like the Stanwell BESS are essential to a successful transformation of our energy system,” said Michael O'Rourke, CEO of Stanwell. 

“This large-scale battery can be charged by wind and solar during periods of peak renewable energy generation and discharged back into the grid during periods of high demand or to maintain grid stability. 

“Our strategic goal is to have 5GW of energy storage operational by 2035.”

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has backed the build too.

“The Miles Government continues to lead the way on the energy transition,” said ETU state secretary Peter Ong.

“Their commitment to public ownership of Queensland’s energy assets keeps the lights on, prices down and workplaces safe. This investment is good for workers, the climate and will bring downward pressure on the cost of living."