X-Elio is set to add a 148MW battery energy storage system (BESS) to its Blue Grass solar farm, situated in Queensland’s Western Downs, Australia.
The project will be built in two stages, with the first 60MW BESS mechanically complete by the third quarter of 2025 and the second 88MW BESS by the third quarter of 2026.
The Blue Grass solar farm, inaugurated in November 2022, has a capacity of 200MW, producing 420 gigawatt hours of green energy annually.
The farm was initially developed to support the Queensland Renewable Energy Target (QRET).
As part of its energy and jobs plan, the Queensland government aims to generate 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2032, and 80% by 2035.
The solar farm’s expansion with BESS technology will improve the existing infrastructure by installing grid-forming battery inverters.
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By GlobalDataThe expansion will convert the plant into a hybrid power source that can offer required grid services.
The integration of battery systems will enable the storage of excess energy during peak solar hours and its release in case of high demand or low solar generation.
This will allow for participation in grid services and will enhance energy reliability and grid stability. The expansion is the result of collaboration between X-ELIO and technology partners Ingeteam and Narada.
X-ELIO CEO Mirko Molinari stated: “Following our 60MW BESS project in the US and our entry into the German battery company ECO STOR, we are now continuing to implement our storage strategy in Australia.
“This project will support grid resiliency in Queensland and enhance our solar farm’s resilience to price volatility. We are excited about the prospects of BESS in Australia and believe its deployment greatly supports grids with high renewables penetration.”
X-ELIO, a Brookfield-owned company, develops, constructs, finances, and operates renewable energy projects.
The company has a global presence in Australia, Italy, Japan, Latin America, the Middle East, Spain and the US.