BayWa r.e. AG, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has submitted an application for an environmental permit for a substantial battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Queensland, Australia. Official documents indicate that the 200-MW/800-MWh Hughes Road BESS seeks approval under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The proposed facility will be situated within the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, covering approximately 28.8 hectares (71.2 acres) of land. Located 12 kilometers south of Gladstone in central Queensland, the battery will integrate with the National Electricity Market via a nearby substation owned by Powerlink, a prominent network operator.
According to the application, the Hughes Road BESS aims to provide essential firming services to enhance grid stability. While specific details regarding the commissioning timeline were not disclosed, construction of the battery is anticipated to span approximately 12 months once all necessary approvals are secured.
BayWa r.e. has been actively expanding its renewable energy footprint in Australia, having previously commissioned over 270 MW of solar and wind projects. Among its notable achievements are the Karadoc and Yatpool photovoltaic farms in Victoria, boasting capacities of 90 MW and 106 MW respectively. The company’s ambitious project pipeline in Australia exceeds 4 GW, underscoring its commitment to bolstering the country’s renewable energy infrastructure.
This application represents BayWa r.e.’s latest effort to contribute to Australia’s renewable energy goals, aligning with global efforts to transition towards sustainable and low-carbon energy solutions.
