Queensland’s Brigalow gas peaking plant is a joint venture between APA Group and CS Energy, set to be built next to Kogan Creek coal power station. This project follows years of planning and development, with GE Vernova contracted in 2023 for the supply of 12 aeroderivative turbines.

The Brigalow project was initially scheduled to start operations by 2026 but has been delayed until 2028 due to challenges posed by low-cost solar energy and high turbine costs. To ensure viability, CS Energy will secure power from the plant for 25 years under a hedge offtake agreement.

The Queensland government’s support is crucial as it helps offset risks associated with fluctuating electricity prices. Treasurer David Janetzki stated that this project aligns with the state’s energy roadmap, which aims to ensure affordable and reliable energy by increasing gas-fired generation capacity while scaling back coal plant closures.

Despite backing from both previous Labor and current LNP governments, the Brigalow project faces criticism for potentially limiting the growth of renewable technologies. The new Crisafulli government’s approach emphasizes a focus on gas peakers over renewables after 2030, assuming no support for new renewable projects.

The Queensland government’s decision to subsidize the Brigalow gas peaking plant reflects its strategy to balance affordability and reliability in energy generation. However, this move also highlights ongoing debates about the role of renewable technologies versus traditional fossil fuels in Australia’s future energy mix.

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Optigrid, founded in South Australia, brings cutting-edge AI technology to the table. Their software can forecast and optimize how batteries are used, maximizing their benefits for both businesses and the grid. Acacia Energy, based in Victoria, already has a network of commercial and industrial customers with solar panels and batteries. By combining forces, they hope to accelerate the adoption of these energy solutions across Australia.

The collaboration will focus on two key areas: energy arbitrage and frequency control ancillary services. These are markets usually dominated by large-scale renewable projects and big battery installations. But now, smaller-scale batteries can participate too, thanks to Optigrid’s technology. Think of it like a small car joining the race with Formula 1 cars but still winning races because of smart driving strategies.

Optigrid CEO Sahand Karimi is excited about this partnership. He says, ‘Our research shows that there’s huge potential in commercial and industrial batteries to help stabilize the grid while also saving businesses money on their power bills.’ This isn’t just good for business; it’s also a step towards cleaner energy use across Australia.

Optigrid was born out of university research six years ago, focusing on how to optimize battery operations and predict electricity prices. With backing from investors like the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, they’ve grown to around 12 employees today. Their software can help businesses make informed decisions about investing in batteries, reducing uncertainty and risk.

So why is this partnership such a big deal? It’s because it opens up new opportunities for smaller-scale energy storage systems to play a bigger role in the national grid. Imagine if every business could contribute to making our electricity system more reliable and sustainable. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about building a smarter, cleaner future for everyone.

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