Queensland’s local battery manufacturing industry has been given a boost, with Australia’s first manufacturing plant for grid-scale batteries set to be established, with a commercial-scale facility in Maryborough.
The Queensland Government is supporting the development of the local battery manufacturing industry through investment in a leading manufacturer of long-duration energy storage systems.
Energy Storage Industries – Asia Pacific (ESI) will establish the plant, and early works have begun at the Maryborough site which. When fully operational by mid-2029, the site will have created up to 273 full-time jobs.
The Queensland Government’s $25 million debt and equity investment has attracted $40 million from a UK-based investment fund to accelerate the development of the local industry and secure its future in the state.
ESI will scale up its capabilities with technology licenced from Oregon-based ESS, Inc.
A Wide Bay Burnett facility will host the manufacturing of iron-flow batteries for long-duration energy storage. Flow battery technology has the potential to deliver longer duration energy storage of up to 14 hours, which is vital as the world continues to decarbonise and increase its generation of clean and renewable energy.
The State Government’s investment will position the company to solidify meaningful relationships and potential collaborations with publicly-owned energy corporations.
Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick, said that partnering with local industry and attracting private capital allows Queensland to seize the incredible opportunities presented by the world’s decarbonisation.
“Our investment in ESI is part of our commitment to firmly establish a new battery manufacturing industry right here in Queensland.
“Through investments like this, we meet our future clean energy storage needs and take advantage of the massive export opportunities.
“Most importantly, this investment supports new technology and manufacturing jobs, creating more than 270 highly skilled jobs in regional Queensland.”
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, said, “Investors are buying into Queensland’s clean economy future thanks to the Miles Government’s world-leading Energy and Jobs Plan.
“Today’s announcement of more than 270 skilled jobs in Maryborough is further proof Queensland’s decarbonisation is creating new jobs in the regions.”
State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said Maryborough has a proud manufacturing history and that the investment ensures there will be manufacturing jobs in Maryborough for years to come.
“This investment demonstrates the Miles Labor Government’s Queensland Battery Industry Strategy is delivering the good manufacturing jobs of the future, especially in regional Queensland.”
ESI Asia Pacific’s Managing Director, Stuart Parry, said, “ESI is a Queensland-based, Australian-owned manufacturer of proven grid-scale battery technology that solves a key problem in the energy transition – how to provide renewable grid-scale energy overnight.
“Thanks to this far-sighted support from Treasury and private investors, the first production of Australian-made grid-scale batteries will take place in Queensland by the end of 2025.
“ESI is targeting the delivery of 400MW of energy storage annually from 2029 – enough to power a city the size of Toowoomba each year.
“Importantly, key battery components will be sourced from throughout Queensland, supporting businesses and creating skilled jobs in local communities.”
Featured image: AustralianCamera/shutterstock.com
