A new network-connected battery has officially opened in Toowoomba, marking another step toward a more reliable and sustainable energy system for the Darling Downs. The 4MW/8MWh battery, located beside Ergon Energy’s substation on Boundary Street in Torrington, will store excess solar energy generated by local homes and businesses.
About 34 percent of residential homes and nearly 20 percent of businesses in the area already have rooftop solar systems. The new battery will capture unused solar power during the day and release it when demand is high, helping to stabilise the electricity grid and reduce reliance on non-renewable sources.
The battery can deliver its full output for two hours, enough to power around 500 homes during the evening peak. It is one of 12 batteries being built across Queensland as part of Energy Queensland’s program to improve network stability and manage the growing supply of renewable energy.
Energy Queensland said the new system would help manage local energy flows and contribute to the wider electricity market. Sharing battery capacity between multiple users will also help lower costs and maximise the value of the investment.
The Toowoomba project reflects the region’s strong adoption of solar technology and its potential to support Queensland’s renewable energy goals. The battery will store locally made power, reduce waste, and provide steady electricity for households and small businesses.