Stanwell's first dispatchable energy storage project, the Tarong Battery Energy Storage Project located near Nanango in Queensland, has officially commenced commercial operation. This $514 million project, leveraging the Tarong Power Station, is now supplying power to the National Electricity Market (NEM).

The battery energy storage system, comprised of 164 Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries, increases the total capacity of the Tarong Power Station to 2.1GW, solidifying its position as Queensland's largest single power station. The system will utilize the power station's existing management and operational systems for daily operations.

Stanwell CEO Michael O'Rourke stated, "This is a significant milestone for Stanwell, being our first wholly-owned battery project, delivered end-to-end by our team from concept through to construction, operation, and maintenance."

"This 300MW battery energy storage system can store energy during periods of high generation and rapidly discharge it to the grid during peak demand times, responding to demand in fractions of a second, providing crucial stability, capacity, and reliability," he said.

"Stanwell's experience in operating and maintaining reliable coal-fired power stations is now driving our efforts to build a more flexible and reliable energy portfolio to meet Queensland's growing energy needs."

"This means we can continue to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for Queensland, our customers, and the National Electricity Market."

The Tarong Battery Energy Storage Project is part of Stanwell's broader 2.8GWh battery stabilization portfolio, which also includes the Stanwell Battery near Rockhampton and a capacity purchase agreement for stored energy from the Stage 3 BESS at Quinbrook's Supernode in Brendale.