Toowoomba council to assess 100MW battery storage project by Atria Energy in Aubigny

The ramping up of battery storage projects on the Darling Downs hasn’t ceased, with a private firm lodging plans for its own system just outside Toowoomba.

A private battery storage project worth more than 200 megawatt-hours slated for land west of Toowoomba could start construction early next year if it secures approval, creating nearly 100 jobs in the process.

Sustainable energy developer Atria Energy submitted an application last week to the Toowoomba Regional Council for a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) near Kowitz Rd at Aubigny, south of Oakey.

The project, which measures 3ha in size, will be connected to the nearby publicly-owned Tangkam substation.

Designs show the BESS will be made up of 82 6m-long battery containers, which will be able to hold and release electricity as required.

Atria Energy has lodged plans with the Toowoomba Regional Council for a battery storage system off Kowitz Road at Aubigny.

According to the planning report by NGH Consulting, the BESS will contain energy generated from the grid during off-peak periods and release them during times of high electricity demand.

“BESSs are an essential element of a sustainable electricity supply network and an important part of Queensland’s ‘supergrid’ of clean energy infrastructure,” the report said.

“Under this plan, an estimated 10-fold increase in storage capacity is required by 2039 to support the achievement of Queensland’s renewable energy targets.

“BESSs enhance the reliability of the energy network, allowing for the dispatch of energy according to demand, overcoming potential issues associated with the intermittency of output as the energy transition occurs.”

NGH Consulting argued the project will take 17 months to build and create work for 90 people, with Atria Energy hoping to use a local workforce.

It is believed the project will operate for 20 years before being decommissioned or upgraded.

“All infrastructure would be removed from the project site and restoration of the land would occur,” the report said.

The application is listed as an “undefined use” under the council’s planning scheme and will be subject to public notification.

Atria Energy provided council with a letter it says it has sent to nearby residents about the proposal.

“The objective of this project is to maintain a balance between the amount of electricity being generated and consumed by supplying additional power when there is a sudden increase in demand, keeping the electricity grid stable, working properly, and ensuring that consumers have access to reliable and consistent electricity,” the letter said.

Specialist reports around water management, traffic impacts, landscaping, noise assessment and stormwater were also submitted.

Atria Energy was contacted for comment.

It comes as both the public and private sector ramp up the development of battery storage, in line with the plan to move Queensland energy off fossil fuels in the coming decades.

Australia is a leading global market for the storage systems, with the nation expected to have more than 25 gigawatts of capacity by 2032, representing 70GW hours.