The 4MW/8MWh battery has been built next to Ergon Energy’s substation on Boundary Street and will help store excess energy produced by local rooftop solar generation.
In the Torrington battery’s service area, about 34 percent of residential homes and nearly 20 percent of businesses have rooftop solar systems.
After 10 years of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering in the energy sector to primarily support Queensland households, businesses and industry.
This includes implementing the Electricity Maintenance Guarantee on all Queensland-owned power generators, with $1.6 billion to be invested over five years, to put downward pressure on power bills.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the project demonstrated the Crisafulli Government’s focus on delivering an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system.
“Queenslanders are putting solar on homes and businesses at world record rates, with more than 40 percent of houses across Queensland now with rooftop solar,” Mr Janetzki said.
“This battery will allow more solar energy to be stored while the sun is shining and used when it is needed to help stabilise the grid.
“It will be stored locally and used locally when electricity demand is high, proving to be an essential tool for managing the renewable energy flowing into the electricity network.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is delivering an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy system.”
Energy Queensland’s Jason Hall said local network batteries addressed capacity and supply challenges created by negative power flows from solar and an increasing number of customers on the network.
“Torrington is one of 12 batteries currently being built around the State in stage two of Energy Queensland’s battery program,” Mr Hall said.
“The capacity of these batteries will be shared between retailers and the networks to help manage not only the local energy flows but also be used on the wholesale electricity market.
“One of the ways we are using the batteries to help keep electricity prices down is to share the capacity of the batteries between multiple parties, which helps maximise the benefit.”
With the ability to deliver its full power output for a period of two hours, the battery can support about 500 homes through the evening peak, even after the sun goes down.
Member for Condamine Pat Weir said the completion of the battery was a positive development for the people of Toowoomba.
“This will ensure any excess power generated during the day is stored to be utilised in peak demand times,” Mr Weir said.
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said the project would get the most out of the region’s abundant sunshine while also supporting the grid.
“This battery captures our community’s rooftop solar, keeping locally made power local, cutting waste, and boosting reliability for Toowoomba North households and small businesses,” Mr Watts said.
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