X-ELIO, a global leader in the renewable energy sector, has announced the expansion of its Blue Grass solar farm in Queensland’s Western Downs. This expansion includes the addition of a 148 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), marking a significant milestone in the company’s renewable energy initiatives in Australia.
Project Details
The expansion will occur in two stages:
- Stage One: A 60 MW BESS is expected to achieve mechanical completion by Q3 2025.
- Stage Two: An additional 88 MW BESS will follow, with completion anticipated by Q3 2026.
This development positions Blue Grass as X-ELIO’s first hybrid solar and storage project in Australia, enhancing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Impact on Renewable Energy Goals
Originally inaugurated in November 2022, the Blue Grass solar farm has a capacity of 200 MW, generating 420 GWh of green energy annually. This project directly supports Queensland’s Renewable Energy Target (QRET), contributing to the state’s objective of generating 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2032, and 80% by 2035, as outlined in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Enhancing Grid Stability
The integration of the BESS technology will significantly enhance the existing infrastructure, allowing the deployment of grid-forming battery inverters. This transformation enables the solar farm to provide essential grid services, store excess energy during peak solar hours, and release it during periods of high demand or lower solar generation. The collaboration between X-ELIO and technology partners Ingeteam and Narada is pivotal in achieving these advancements.
Expert Insights
Mirko Molinari, CCO at X-ELIO, stated: “Following our 60 MW BESS project in the US and our entry into the German battery company ECO STOR, we are now continuing to implement our storage strategy in Australia. This project will support grid resiliency in Queensland and enhance our solar farm’s resilience to price volatility. We are excited about the prospects of BESS in Australia and believe its deployment greatly supports grids with high renewables penetration.”
Conclusion
The expansion of the Blue Grass solar farm with the addition of a BESS not only underscores X-ELIO’s commitment to renewable energy but also plays a crucial role in enhancing Queensland’s energy landscape and grid stability.
Suggested Sources
- Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan: Queensland Government
- Ingeteam Technology: Ingeteam
- Narada Battery Technology: Narada
