Energy Queensland is seeking expressions of interest from supply companies who can offer suitable grid scale batteries, inverters or complete energy storage systems.

Targeted organisations include those who can support a variety of grid scale battery system sizes and capabilities.

This forms part of the state government’s clean energy switch and goals of reaching 50 per cent renewables by 2030.

“Our Buy Queensland procurement approach means strong preference is given to companies that employ Queenslanders and include local content like metals and minerals mined and processed in Queensland and the products manufactured from them,” Minister for Energy Mick de Brenni said.

The expression of interest is focused on offerings for megawatt scale grid storage suitable for connection at the 11kV, 22kV or 33kV electricity distribution network.

Executive General Manager of Energy Queensland Peter Price said companies that could offer value for money and support of long-term needs of the organisation were ideal candidates.

“In order to achieve a value for money comparison, Energy Queensland is requesting pricing and technical response on a small subset of the potential system size offerings, namely, four megawatt systems capable of providing two hours and four hours storage duration,” he said.

“These system sizes have been chosen for initial comparison as they are the most likely size for installation in the near-term, however, Energy Queensland may procure larger or smaller systems depending on business needs at the time.”

He added that EOI’s should include a complete energy storage system, that includes the inverter, battery and associated control systems, a power conversion system comprising the inverter and supporting control and monitoring equipment, or an energy storage unit (battery).