Eku Energy and LP Renewables have announced plans for the 400MW/1,600MWh Belah Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Queensland, Australia. The proposed four-hour duration facility will be located around 19 kilometres south of Chinchilla in the Western Downs region. The rural town of Chinchilla, known as the Melon Capital of Australia, has become a key area for renewable energy and storage developments, including CS Energy’s 100MW/200MWh Chinchilla BESS which became operational last year.

The Belah BESS will connect directly to the Orana substation through a new underground high-voltage transmission line and supply electricity to the National Electricity Market over a proposed lifespan exceeding 20 years. Specialist studies covering environmental, heritage, safety and amenity impact assessments have been completed as part of the project’s development application.

Community consultation sessions will allow stakeholders to meet with the project team and learn more about the environmental and social impact assessments. Eku Energy’s “Powering Big Dreams” benefit-sharing plan will also be introduced, focusing on local partnerships and community investment initiatives.

The Belah project marks another milestone in Eku Energy’s Australian portfolio, which includes the Monduran BESS (400MW/1,600MWh) in the Bundaberg region and the Byellee BESS (1,200MWh) near Gladstone. These developments demonstrate the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and safety, incorporating fire risk mitigation and sustainability measures in their designs.

Eku Energy has also expanded internationally, acquiring a utility-scale BESS on New Zealand’s North Island to strengthen its global presence.

The Belah project adds to Queensland’s growing energy storage pipeline and supports the state’s Energy Roadmap 2025, which targets 4.3GW of short-duration energy storage by 2030. It represents a key step in advancing Queensland’s renewable energy ambitions and creating a more resilient energy future.

Read the full article for detailed insights into Eku Energy’s Belah BESS project and its contribution to Australia’s clean energy transition.