Energy storage developer Akaysha Energy confirmed it had started constructing its 205MW/410MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Queensland, Australia, yesterday (8 August).
The 2-hour duration project, which has seen AU$200 million (US$131 million) allocated towards its development, is set to commence commercial operations in 2026. It will be located on UnityWater’s 3.7-acre site next to the South Pine substation.
Akaysha has confirmed that the Brendale BESS will incorporate Tesla Megapack technology, with Consolidated Power Projects Australia Pty Ltd (CPP) set to deliver the Balance of Plant (BoP).
Tesla Megapack has been used across several Australian sites, including RWE’s 50MW/400MWh Limondale BESS in New South Wales.
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Akaysha is also using Megapacks at its 1,660MWh Orana BESS, located in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), in New South Wales.
However, the developer has a multi-supplier approach and for its biggest project to date, the Waratah Super Battery project, also in New South Wales (slightly larger than Orana at 850MW/1,680MWh), system integrator and manufacturer Powin is providing the BESS solution.
Akaysha, backed by major global asset manager Blackrock, closed project financing for the Orana BESS in July. The AU$650 million three-year agreement will fund the construction of the BESS in the Central-West Orana REZ. It includes AU$75 million in support for project security obligations with a Letter of Credit.
The Brendale BESS project aims to provide energy arbitrage and Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) to support the national electricity market (NEM) and facilitate the integration of solar PV and wind projects by utilising the existing transmission infrastructure in the region.
Paul Curnow, managing director and chief commercial officer (CCO) at Akaysha Energy, said the Brendale BESS is a “crucial step” in the company’s mission to deploy large-scale BESS.
“The Brendale BESS is an important element of Akaysha Energy’s portfolio across not only Queensland but the NEM more broadly. It is a crucial step in our mission to rapidly deploy large-scale BESS, enhancing grid stability and energy security while driving the global shift to sustainable energy,” Curnow said.
“The Brendale BESS is one of four projects under development in the state and it’s clear that the Queensland energy sector is serious about the transition. Once operational, the Brendale BESS will significantly bolster the delivery of a stable supply of energy to the local community.”
