A new 400MW BESS (battery energy storage system) in the Western Downs region of Queensland will power more than 100,000 households for four hours at peak demand.
The Belah BESS, to be connected to the Orana substation via an underground transmission line, will support grid stability and reduce energy wastage from nearby solar farms, including the Edenvale solar park.
Belah’s construction is set to create 150 jobs during construction and a further five jobs during operation.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt highlighted the fact that Belah was approved in 19 days, with considered site selection helping its case.
“The project site is good for the environment and for Australia’s energy transition,” Watt said. “Construction of the Belah BESS can go ahead with minimal environmental impact.”
With Belah located on previously cleared land, only a small amount of remnant vegetation will need to be cleared for it to go ahead.
“Renewable energy projects like this, which support the delivery of clean, green and affordable power, can and do coexist with Australia’s incredible natural environment,” Watt said.
The Belah BESS is being developed by independent renewable energy developer LP Renewable Projects (LPRP) alongside Eku Energy.
LPRP is also developing its Goombi renewable energy hub, including a 800MW wind farm and 600MW BESS, alongside TagEnergy, and a southern/central Queensland energy hub, comprising 80–100 wind turbines and a utility-scale BESS.
The 1200MWh Stanwell battery is another Queensland BESS being developed, boasting 324 8m-long, 38-tonne battery units all up.
Stanwell has partnered with Tesla and Yurika to build the battery operation, which was supported in May 2024 by $448.2 million in funding from the Queensland Government’s Queensland Renewable and Hydrogen Job Fund.
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