March 2023

Australian renewable energy developer, ACE Power, has announced that it has received Development Approval from Townsville City Council for its Yabulu Solar Farm & Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Notably, the battery component is one of the first grid forming batteries to receive development approval in Queensland’s north.

Located in the Townsville region of Queensland, the proposed development includes a 100MW utility scale solar farm and 200MW/400MWh BESS which will independently connect to Powerlink’s 132kV Yabulu South Substation. This project aligns with the Queensland Government’s renewable energy targets of 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035, with construction expected to commence in Q2 2024. The BESS is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2025.Development Director, Colm Ahern, said ACE Power was delighted with the outcome.

“ACE Power is very pleased to have received the approval for our Yabulu Solar and BESS projects from Townsville City Council. We are looking forward to progressing these projects into the construction phase and contributing towards Australia’s clean energy transition, along with providing an economic boost to the Townsville region through capital investment and the creation of jobs during the construction and operation of these projects”, Mr Ahern said.