Overview
Powerlink plays a key role in influencing the energy system of the future, one that balances customer needs, while moving to a lower carbon future that includes battery and storage solutions, grid and generation technologies, and demand management.
Large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) involves a large number of battery modules that are installed together. This approach can deliver numerous advantages to make the energy network more secure and stable, and contribute to reducing electricity costs to customers.
They will play a critical role in the energy transformation and are an ideal partner for renewables. A BESS can store excess energy produced during sunny or windy periods so that it can be used later when it is needed the most.
Powerlink has investigated the potential for batteries to be cost-effectively installed and connected to the transmission network at various locations in Queensland. By connecting to the transmission network in a coordinated way, the battery connection will deliver scale-efficiencies and operational cost-effectiveness.
We ran an Expression of Interest (EOI) to engage with external developers, investors and stakeholders in examining potential BESS opportunities to generate innovative commercial and technical models that are mutually beneficial.
The process was innovative and highly competitive, aimed at ensuring optimal outcomes for Powerlink, and ultimately Queensland consumers. We have worked with large-scale battery developers to identify the optimal battery solutions to be located at established substation sites in Queensland.
Status
Powerlink has signed an agreement with CS Energy to install a grid-scale battery at Powerlink's existing Greenbank Substation. As part of this work, we are connecting a new 200MW battery (with 400MWh storage) into the Greenbank Substation, which supplies electricity to South East Queensland, in particular the Gold Coast, Logan and South Brisbane areas. The battery will have capacity to power 66,000 homes for two hours in the evening peak before needing to recharge.
This is Australia’s first truly cooperative BESS utilisation and optimisation scheme, partnering a transmission network provider with a generation and retail business.
The Tesla Megapack 2XL units that have been installed at the Greenbank Substation are one of the safest battery storage products of their kind. The batteries undergo extensive fire testing and include integrated safety systems, specialised monitoring software and 24/7 support.
Construction update
To support connection of the battery to the transmission network, Powerlink completed delivery of a 326 tonne transformer in November 2023. The transformer travelled just over 60 kilometres from the Port of Brisbane to the Greenbank Substation. The transformer was transported by two prime movers in the early hours of the morning.
The installation and connection of the transformer was finished in March 2024. Powerlink has successfully completed site testing of the transformer to support connection of the battery to the electricity grid. A noise wall has also been constructed around the transformer to dispel any sound generated.
The transformer is an essential piece of network equipment which converts high voltage electricity from Powerlink’s transmission network down to lower voltages, suitable for the BESS.
CS Energy has made significant progress on the installation of the battery and has now installed all 108 Tesla Megapacks. Installation of the switching equipment, control rooms and transformers has also been completed.
An acoustic barrier to help reduce noise levels around the perimeter of the battery will be completed by late 2024. Once installation is complete, CS Energy will undertake comprehensive testing, pre-commissioning assessments, and final commissioning activities for the battery.
Construction activities are being undertaken between 6.30am and 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Traffic controllers are in place to manage the small volume of additional construction-related traffic in the immediate area.
The Greenbank BESS is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, subject to good weather and site conditions.
For further project updates or to learn more about the Greenbank BESS project we encourage you to subscribe to CS Energy’s mailing list or visit the CS Energy Greenbank Battery webpage.
