Libra reveals plans for giant 3.4 GWh Bremer battery project
Libra Energy has unveiled its first major Australian renewables project, announcing plans to build an 850 MW / 3,400 MWh battery energy storage system in southeast Queensland to help soak up excess solar energy and stabilise the grid supply and demand during peak hours.
July 31, 2024 David Carroll
Image: Libra Energy
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Queensland-based Libra Energy has announced the development applications for the Bremer Battery Project – an 850 MW, four-hour battery energy storage system being developed near Ipswich in the state’s southeast – have been submitted to planning authorities for approval.
The Bremer project originally included plans for a 150 MW solar farm but Libra has shelved that proposal, saying “it is not economical to proceed with a solar project at this time.”
The focus has instead narrowed to delivering a standalone battery energy storage system that Libra said will serve as a critical tool to soak up excess solar and enhance the security and reliability of the grid in the region.
Queensland is home to more than one million rooftop solar installations and the state government is targeting 70% renewables energy by 2032 and 80% by 2035 as it transitions from a reliance on coal-fired power.
Libra Chairman Rod Stephenson said with so much solar power being generated in Queensland, it is essential to proceed with a large battery to soak up the excess generation.
“We need initiatives that help boost storage capacity in the energy grid,” he said. “Queenslanders have installed rooftop solar with the expectation of reducing the cost of their own energy usage and selling excess generation into the grid.”
“Grid-scale batteries are necessary to ensure Queenslanders can continue to sell their excess energy into the grid.”
The Bremer battery is being developed on an estimated 15-hectare site near Rosewood, about 20 kilometres west of Ipswich, and Libra said the facility has been “designed to integrate seamlessly into the energy grid.”
The project site will connect to the National Electricity Market via existing Powerlink transmission lines that travel near the site.
Libra, which according to company website has until now focused on developing solar and wind projects in Africa and Asia, said it has completed the project scoping study for the Bremer battery and received the green light from the grid operator.
The Brisbane-headquartered company said it is now working on the pre-feasibility study and connection application and, subject to approvals, the battery could commence operations in 2027.
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