The Tarong Battery Energy Storage System has reached a major milestone, with the energisation of its two 275kV power transformers marking a critical step towards commissioning in mid-2025.
The 300MW/600MWh battery, located at Stanwell’s Tarong Power Station in Queensland’s South Burnett region, recently completed installation of all 164 Tesla Megapack 2XL units – each weighing 38 tonnes.
Construction partner Yurika led the transformer energisation, a significant development in what has been described as a “collaborative” and “capability-rich” delivery phase.
The $514 million project is being delivered in two stages and began construction in August 2023.
Once operational, the battery will be able to power around 101,000 homes for two hours. It is also expected to support downward pressure on electricity prices by stabilising supply from renewables.
The Tarong BESS is a flagship in Stanwell’s goal of delivering 5GW of energy storage by 2035.
The project is also creating up to 80 full-time construction jobs and six permanent roles once operational.
As reported when construction kicked off in 2023, Stanwell’s CEO Michael O’Rourke described the Tarong BESS as “a significant step in delivering the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
It also follows the announcement of a 12-year offtake deal with Tesla for storage services from the site, which will operate as part of a growing fleet of storage assets managed by Stanwell.