Macquarie-backed Eku unveils a new 400 MW, 1,600 MWh battery storage project in Queensland

Another major new battery storage project has emerged in Queensland, this time a 400 MW, 1,600 MWh facility proposed by local develop LP Renewables and Eku Energy, an offshoot of Macquarie Group

The Belah battery energy storage system (BESS) has been submitted to the federal government for assessment under the EPBC Act, and is proposed for a site next to the Orana substation, around 16 kms south of Chinchilla in the Western Downs region.

LLRP is says the location has been chosen because it is on already cleared land with “limited agricultural opportunities” and is on flat land where its visual impact will be minimised.

LPRP also claims that the site, on the eastern side of Kogan Condamine Road, is already cleared land with “limited agricultural opportunities”.

The proposed battery is not far from the already operating Chinchilla battery – located near the Kogan Creek coal fired power station – and the Ulinda Park battery currently going through commissioning.

According to the referral document submitted to the EPBC Act, Belah BESS would provide critical energy storage and dispatch services to the National Electricity Market (NEM), supporting greater grid stability and reliability, and enable the integration of additional renewable energy capacity in the Southern REZ.

The developers hope that Belah can begin construction in late 2026. Construction of the battery system is expected to create up to 150 jobs, and 5 ongoing operational jobs.

Development activities are apparently already underway, including consultation with traditional owners of the land as well as technical and engineering assessments to determine the project site’s suitability. An ecological assessment report was submitted to the EPBC Act alongside the project’s referral.