Akaysha Energy has activated its 205 MW/410 MWh Brendale Battery Energy Storage System in Queensland, Australia, nearly five months ahead of schedule. The facility, powered by Tesla Megapack 2 technology, connects to Brisbane's South Pine substation and supports the region's energy needs ahead of the 2032 Summer Olympics. It provides energy arbitrage, frequency control services, and enhanced grid stability through grid-forming capabilities.
Akaysha Energy announced this week that its Brendale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Queensland is now fully operational. The 205 MW/410 MWh project, valued at $110 million, utilizes Tesla's Megapack 2 units with lithium iron phosphate chemistry and grid-forming technology. These features deliver virtual inertia to bolster network stability and improve voltage robustness in nearby transmission infrastructure.
The battery connects to the South Pine substation in Brisbane, which will host the 2032 Summer Olympics. It offers energy arbitrage and frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) to households and businesses, ensuring affordable and reliable power.
Development began with a final investment decision in late 2023, followed by construction starting in August 2024. The early completion highlights efficient collaboration among partners. Akaysha CEO Nick Carter stated, “We’re grateful to our project partners Consolidated Power Projects Australia, Tesla, Wilson Transformer Company, Powerlink and our offtaker Gunvor Group, who have all played an integral part in bringing Brendale BESS online ahead of schedule.”
Revenue is secured through a long-term swap agreement with Gunvor Group, providing stable offtaker income alongside merchant opportunities for optimized bidding.
This success contrasts with challenges at Akaysha's Waratah Super Battery project, where a high-voltage transformer failure during testing has delayed the 850 MW/1,680 MWh facility. Meanwhile, the first phase of the Ulinda Park battery—155 MW/298 MWh—recently energized, with plans for expansion to an additional 195 MW/780 MWh.
Melbourne-based Akaysha, acquired by BlackRock in 2022, manages a portfolio of 11 battery projects across Australia. Akaysha Energy noted, “The BESS’s Grid-Forming capability, using the Tesla Megapack 2 battery energy storage units, also helps to increase the robustness of the network voltage of the nearby major Queensland transmission infrastructure.”
