Construction starts on Australia’s first, large-scale iron flow battery hub

CONSTRUCTION of Australia’s first, large-scale iron flow battery manufacturing facility started in Maryborough today, marking a significant step forward in Australia’s transition to a renewable energy future.

The $70 million facility, which is being built by Energy Storage Industries — Asia Pacific (ESI), will produce low-cost, long-life, environmentally friendly batteries that allow large-scale energy storage.

Deputy Premier the Hon Dr Steven Miles MP, State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders MP, and Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Cr George Seymour were on hand to officiate at a sod turning ceremony.

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles welcomed the manufacturing facility and said the Queensland Government was working to position Queensland as the gateway for battery innovation, a key component of the energy revolution.

“Energy storage is key to unlocking Queensland’s renewable energy revolution as we power towards our target of having 50 per cent renewables by 2030,” Mr Miles said.

“Queensland is becoming a renewable energy superpower and we’re well-positioned to be Australia and Asia-Pacific’s energy storage gateway.

“In the near future, power generated from a nearby wind or solar farm will be stored in iron flow batteries and help power Queensland.

“This manufacturing facility shows industry has confidence to invest in Queensland.”

ESI Director Stuart Parry said the facility will help the company establish a reliable and environmentally friendly energy storage industry in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

“Our products are essential to Australia’s renewable energy future,” Mr Parry said.

“Our batteries have a 10 to 14-hour storage capacity and a lifecycle of 25 years — something that is not provided by other battery technologies.

“The low-cost, environmentally friendly electrolyte also means that the product is ideally suited to remote locations, National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef.”

Mr Parry said ESI was fully integrated and would manufacture, install, maintain and finance energy storage solutions for their customers.

“Our initial manufacturing base at Maryborough will manufacture and distribute iron flow batteries that allow large-scale energy storage for wholesale electricity generators, energy retailers, and commercial and industrial customers,” he said.

“We have plans to expand our operations so that, by the end of 2026, ESI will deliver up to 400 megawatts of energy storage each year for the next 15 years — that is six gigawatts of energy storage, or 20 per cent of Australia’s renewable energy storage needs.

“When fully operational in 2026, we will have up to 500 highly skilled employees and contractors working at our facilities throughout regional Queensland.

“Longer-term, we plan to export our renewable energy storage solutions to the Asia Pacific region.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Council had been working with ESI for several years and the start of construction was a significant milestone.

“Council is determined to ensure the Fraser Coast has a strong, resilient and diversified economy that supports growth and long-term jobs,” he said.

“Manufacturing in Maryborough has a proud history over the past 150 years.

“The development of a future-focussed renewable energy manufacturing business like this battery factory highlights that manufacturing in Maryborough not only has a proud history but also a vibrant future.

“Projects like this provide opportunities for the jobs of the future and we look forward to continuing to work with ESI in coming years as they ramp up production.”

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the facility would create more jobs in regional Queensland.

Whether it’s trains or batteries, we’re making it in Maryborough,” Mr Saunders said.

“Iron flow batteries will be manufactured and distributed right here in Maryborough, creating high skilled jobs through a new industry.

“This facility will help boost energy supply, support local jobs and drive down power prices – all vitally important for areas like the Wide Bay.”

Construction of the Maryborough facility is due to be completed by late 2024.