THE Urangan substation has been included in a large-scale, network-connected battery trial to support the uptake of renewable energy across Queensland.
The Ergon Energy substation is one of five sites chosen to examine the potential for battery storage to assist in gaining the maximum advantage from Queensland’s rooftop solar systems.
Member for Hervey Bay, Adrian Tantari said Queensland had one of the highest levels of solar system penetration in the world.
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“This is one area where we can start using this huge source of renewable energy in a smarter way,” Mr Tantari said.
“This would include being able to store excess renewable energy generated by Queensland’s rooftop solar units while working towards achieving Government’s Renewable Energy Target,” he said.
“The trial will also explore how these network-connected battery projects can provide economic benefits in communities across Queensland, therefore contributing to the state’s economic recovery from COVID-19.”
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Yeppoon, Bargara, Toowoomba and Townsville make up the other four sites for the network-connected batteries trial which will collectively store up to 40MWh.
“This trial will investigate benefits across both the electricity transmission and distribution networks, plus it will also offer increased opportunities for local Queensland businesses,” Mr Tantari said.
“For example, some of the components, such as the switchrooms, could be made locally and there will be opportunities for Queensland-based training and development.”
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said Energy Queensland already had a proven delivery model for network-connected batteries, having installed a 4MW/8MWh Tesla battery at Bohle Plains in Townsville.
“Energy Queensland-owned sites have been identified for this trial where deployment can occur as quickly and efficiently as possible, and where we are seeing the highest penetration of solar on the network,” he said.
“If successful, Energy Queensland could deploy distribution batteries in locations right across the state.”
Mr de Brenni said renewables currently make up around 20 per cent of Queensland’s energy mix.
He said the figure will more than double over the next decade, as Government aims for 50 per cent by 2030.
“An affordable, reliable energy supply underpins our economic plan for post-COVID recovery, and renewables will play a central role in that,” Mr de Brenni concluded.