BAWURRA BATTERY

THE PROJECT

Stor-Energy is developing a large-scale battery approximately 7 km to the west of Columboola, along Warrego Hwy, Western Downs. The proposed project is located amongst the gas wells of Surat Gas Project and across the road from Condamine Power Station. The proposed battery would have two parts, Bawurra West with capacity of 400 megawatts (MW) and Bawurra East with capacity of 150 megawatts (MW). The storage capacity could be equivalent of the daily energy usage of up to 200,000 Queensland homes.

This battery would store excess energy during the day and release it when demand is high, providing essential support to the electricity grid. The project would connect to the existing Powerlink's Columboola substation, enhancing the local power network and contributing to Australia's long-term energy security.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a more stable, sustainable, and resilient energy future. We're committed to engaging with the local community as we continue to assess the potential for this project.

The construction of the Bawurra BESS will be a pathway for capacity building for local people and local employment in the energy industry. Batteries are a fast-growing part of the electricity system and represent a future focussed and highly skilled industry.

Ensuring local people are participating in the project will create a positive legacy in the local area,and can deliver an enduring positive impact on the community in the Western Downs region and surrounds.

Proposed project components include:

• Battery units and transformers
• Connection and switch gear
• Site office
• Water storage facilities
• Underground transmission line to the nearby Columboola substation
• The lead contractor will be appointed soon and will be responsible for the subcontractor workforce.
• Stor-Energy is committed to ensuring the use of the local workforce where possible, and to training local people to participate in this future-focussed industry.

Construction schedule

Construction is anticipated to take 24 months and to commence late 2026.

Over that time, the main construction activities will include:

• Transport of construction personnel, associated heavy and light vehicles, and materials to and from the Subject Site on a day-to-day basis, dependent on construction schedule.
• Site establishment works including vegetation clearing within the BESS fencing boundary and Indicative Transmission Line (Underground) and Micro-siting area, bulk earthworks, and temporary construction compound.
• Road works to formalise internal site access road to accommodate heavy vehicles, including a new driveway crossover.
• Construction of Operations & Maintenance building, and delivery and installation of control room and switch rooms.
• Construction of project substations including installation of earthing grid, benching works, transformer bunding, installation of 33kV/275kV main transformers outdoor switchgear, HV busbar and support structure, overhead gantry structures, auxiliary transformer, harmonic filters, and reactive plant.
• Installation of underground 275kV transmission line to facilitate connection to the existing Columboola Powerlink substation to the northeast.
• Construction of hardstand, gravel all weather access road and sealed BESS internal roads and curbing.
• Installation of underground 33kV reticulation cabling, auxiliary transformers, battery enclosures, and inverter & transformer stations.
• Construction of ancillary works including parking areas, water tank, storage structures, stormwater management infrastructure, water containment infrastructure, and security lighting and fencing.
• Cold and hot commissioning of BESS and substation equipment.
• Removal of temporary construction facilities, and rehabilitation of disturbed areas following completion of construction of the Project.

Expressions of interest

Stor-energy encourages local businesses that are interested in working on the Battery to register an expression of interest (EOI) through the ICN Gateway webpage.

Information on specific work packages and opportunities will be communicated on the Gateway by ICN project page as it becomes available.

For further information please reach out to Pat Savage on information@bawurra-battery.com