The Central BESS

The Central BESS is located in Bouldercombe, Central Queensland. The project will support Queensland’s clean energy transition and secure reliable, affordable power for Queenslanders  

Additionally, The Central BESS will be one of the state’s largest Battery Energy Storage Systems once operational and will connect directly to and existing 275kV Terminal Station.  

Key Technical Specifications:

• Location: Bouldercombe, Central Queensland
• Capacity: 500MW / 1000MWh Standalone BESS  
• Connection: Connecting directly to the existing Bouldercombe Terminal Station at 275kV via a new underground cable route.  

Key Benefits of the BESS

Supporting Queensland Clean Energy Transition

The Central BESS is a pivotal component of Queensland’s strategy to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. By providing a reliable and flexible storage solution, it will help balance supply and demand, integrating more renewable energy into the grid and reducing reliance on fossil fuels

Storing energy from the grid during times of low demand, and distributing energy back into the grid during times of peak demand, will help to stabilise the grid and minimise the risk of power outages, improving the overall reliability of the transmission network.

Enhancing Grid Reliability and Affordability

In addition to its environmental benefits, The Central BESS has the potential to play a crucial role in securing reliable and affordable power for Queensland. By connecting directly to the existing 275kV network infrastructure, it can provide critical grid services, such as frequency regulation and peak load management, contributing to a stable and efficient electricity supply.  

This infrastructure will help mitigate the impacts of power fluctuations and outages, aiming to deliver a more dependable energy system for households and businesses alike. Additionally, by utilising existing transmission lines, we can minimise construction impacts and reduce the need for new infrastructure development

Development Timeline

1. Land Signed: The land for The Central BESS was secured in 2023  
2. Development Application: The development application was submitted in 2024 and is currently being assessed  
3. Connection Agreement: The connection agreement with network operator Powerlink is expected in Q3 2025
4. Construction Start: Construction of The Central BESS is expected to commence in Q3 2025 and take approximately 24 months.  
5. Energisation: The BESS is expected to be energised by Q4 2027 at which point it will begin providing critical energy storage services to Queensland.

Find Out More

For more information about The Central BESS Battery Energy Storage System and its impact on the local community, please visit www.thecentralbess.com.au/ or reach out to our community engagement team at info@thecentralbess.com.au

We are committed to keeping stakeholders informed and involved throughout the development and operation of this vital energy infrastructure project.