Battery storage
Batteries are a great long-term strategy for storing surplus energy to keep our electricity supply stable.
There are many kinds of batteries to store large amounts of energy for our grid, the most common being lithium-ion. They are already in products like smartphones, laptops and electric cars.
How large-scale batteries work in Queensland
Batteries use chemicals to absorb and release energy on demand. Large batteries within our energy system are typically charged in the middle of the day, as this is when most renewable electricity is created and there is a lower demand for it in our homes.
We need batteries attached to our grid to store excess energy. This ensures no renewable energies go to waste and allows the release of additional energy as generally required during peak periods.
The reliability of large-scale batteries
Batteries are a flexible and reliable form of energy storage. The large batteries backing up our energy system can respond faster than other storage technologies. With a flick of a switch, these batteries can keep the supply stable and help avoid blackouts.
Making batteries in Queensland
Queensland has many of the critical minerals needed in battery manufacturing. We also have the mining expertise, and skilled workers to refine and produce the necessary advanced materials.
From here, we have a growing industry that is ready to manufacture, pack, assemble, and then install them, as well as businesses working to recycle their parts at the end of their lifespan.
This means Queensland is well-placed to not only manufacture large-scale batteries for our own use, but also build a larger industry that can export this essential clean energy technology nationally and globally. Read more about where Queensland’s growing battery industry is at and the available opportunities for industry.
An Australian battery first in Queensland
West of Townsville is Vecco Group’s Vanadium Electrolyte Manufacturing Facility, which is the first of its kind in Australia. It’s here that Nigel Gadsden took the opportunity to transition from heavy industry to advanced manufacturing, working for a Queensland owned and operated company. Learn more about Nigel and other Queenslanders working for our energy transformation.
The lifespan of a battery
There are many different types of batteries, and the technology for each is evolving The approximate lifespans for batteries differ depending on their type:
- Lithium-ion batteries—5 to 30 years
- Lead acid batteries—3 to 15 years
- Flow batteries—over 20 years.
Large-scale battery locations in Queensland
Large-scale batteries exist in many different locations across our energy system. Large-scale batteries already storing, regulating and boosting our electricity supply can be found in:
- Bouldercombe
- Tanby
- Wandoan
- Townsville
- Kleinton.
More information
- Discover our plans for more large-scale batteries in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
- Learn about other renewable energy technologies that make up Queensland’s SuperGrid.
- Last updated
- 11 December 2023
- Last reviewed
- 01 January 2024