Maryborough to manufacture iron-flow batteries

A first-of-its kind iron-flow battery factory has been launched in the manufacturing heartland of Maryborough with the Deputy Premier saying the state is becoming a “renewable super power”.

Concept photo of the battery facility. Photo: Energy Storage Industries.

The train-building capital of Queensland is one step closer to being the home of Australia’s first, large-scale iron flow battery manufacturing factory.

Built by Energy Storage Industries — Asia Pacific (ESI) the $70 million project promises to “produce low-cost, long-life, environmentally friendly batteries that allow large-scale energy storage” and is the first of its kind in Australia.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles, who along with multiple cabinet ministers has been on a state budget promotional tour of regional Queensland, was in Maryborough for the sod turning on Wednesday and said his government was working to position Queensland as the “gateway for battery innovation, a key component of the “energy revolution”.

“Energy storage is key to unlocking Queensland’s renewable energy revolution as we power towards our target of having 50 per cent renewables by 2030,” Mr Miles said in a statement.

“Queensland is becoming a renewable energy superpower and we’re well-positioned to be Australia and Asia-Pacific’s energy storage gateway.

“In the near future, power generated from a nearby wind or solar farm will be stored in iron flow batteries and help power Queensland.”

Energy Centre Concept. Photo: Energy Storage Industries.

The battery factory announcement came an hour after Mr Miles visited the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre, confirming the State Government would commit $3.5m to upgrading the 25m and 50m pools and surrounds.

At the aquatic centre announcement, Mr Miles was asked if he supported Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders and his calls for whistleblowers to be named, and why he does not think those calls should attract disciplinary action.

While him the Premier did not agree with the comments, Mr Miles said the Maryborough MP was entitled to his own opinion, and was “very passionate” about his region.

Battery Factory sod turning. Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders (left), Deputy Premier Steven Miles, ESI Managing Director Stuart Parry, Aunty Elaine and Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour. Photo: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

In the past week other cabinet ministers have also been in town to announce $14m for a new Hervey Bay Police Station, domestic violence funding and a $40m expansion of the Hervey Bay hospital.

ESI Director Stuart Parry said the battery facility would help the company establish a reliable and environmentally friendly energy storage industry in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Concept photo of the Maryborough battery manufacturing facility. Photo: Energy Storage Industries.

“Our products are essential to Australia’s renewable energy future,” Mr Parry said.

“Our batteries have a 10 to 14-hour storage capacity and a life cycle of 25 years — something that is not provided by other battery technologies.

“The low-cost, environmentally friendly electrolyte also means that the product is ideally suited to remote locations, National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef.”

The Maryborough factory is the first base for the company which also plans to build at Townsville.

Concept photo of the battery facility. Photo: Energy Storage Industries.

From Maryborough it will manufacture and distribute iron-flow batteries that can store energy for wholesale electricity generators, energy retailers, and commercial and industrial customers.

“We have plans to expand our operations so that, by the end of 2026, ESI will deliver up to 400 megawatts of energy storage each year for the next 15 years — that is six gigawatts of energy storage, or 20 per cent of Australia’s renewable energy storage needs,” Mr Parry said in the same statement

“When fully operational in 2026, we will have up to 500 highly skilled employees and contractors working at our facilities throughout regional Queensland.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, ESI Managing Director Stuart Parry and Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour. Photo: Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the council had been working with ESI for several years and the start of construction was a significant milestone.

“Manufacturing in Maryborough has a proud history over the past 150 years,” he said in the statement

“The development of a future-focused renewable energy manufacturing business like this battery factory highlights that manufacturing in Maryborough not only has a proud history but also a vibrant future.”

The battery factory is being built in the Moonaboola Industrial Estate, the same manufacturing hub where a $60 munitions factory was recently completed.

Maryborough’s Downer factory has been working on the repair of Queensland Rail’s NGR Rollingstock fleet.

Concept design of the Maryborough facility. Photo: Energy Storage Industries.

A major contract for a train manufacturing factory at nearby Torbanlea will also soon be awarded to one of three companies while Maryborough will also manufacture women’s health device the Pericoach at a new $13m factory.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said in a statement the factory would create more jobs in regional Queensland,

“Whether it’s trains or batteries, we’re making it in Maryborough,” Mr Saunders said.

“Iron flow batteries will be manufactured and distributed right here in Maryborough, creating high skilled jobs through a new industry.

“This facility will help boost energy supply, support local jobs and drive down power prices – all vitally important for areas like the Wide Bay.”

Construction of the Maryborough facility is due to be completed by late 2024.

Originally published as Maryborough to manufacture iron-flow batteries