- Major Wide Bay Burnett facility to host manufacturing of iron-flow batteries for long-duration energy storage
- Government investment of $25 million attracts $40 million of international private funding to help build Queensland's battery industry
- Local company ESI is expected to create up to 273 jobs in regional Queensland.
The Miles Labor Government is supporting the development of a local battery manufacturing industry through investment in a leading manufacturer of long-duration energy storage systems.
Energy Storage Industries - Asia Pacific (ESI) will establish Australia's first manufacturing plant for grid-scale batteries with a commercial-scale facility in Maryborough.
The Miles Labor Government's $25 million debt and equity investment has attracted $40 million from a UK-based investment fund to accelerate the development of this local industry and secure its future in the state.
Early works have begun at the Maryborough site which, when fully operational by mid-2029, will have created up to 273 full-time jobs.
ESI will scale up its capabilities with technology licenced from Oregon-based ESS, Inc.
Flow battery technology has the potential to deliver longer duration energy storage of up to 14 hours, which is vital as the world continues to decarbonise and increase its generation of clean and renewable energy.
The Government's investment will position the company to solidify meaningful relationships and potential collaborations with publicly owned energy corporations.
As stated by the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:
"By partnering with local industry and attracting private capital, Queensland is well-placed to seize the incredible opportunities presented by the world's decarbonisation.
"Our investment in ESI is part of our commitment to firmly establish a new battery manufacturing industry right here in Queensland.
"Through investments like this we meet our own future clean energy storage needs and take advantage of the massive export opportunities.
"Most importantly, this investment supports new technology and manufacturing jobs, creating more than 270 highly skilled jobs in regional Queensland."
As stated by the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni:
"Investors are buying into Queensland's clean economy future thanks to the Miles Government's world leading Energy and Jobs Plan.
"Today's announcement of more than 270 skilled jobs in Maryborough is further proof Queensland's decarbonisation is creating new jobs in the regions.
"It's a stark contrast with the LNP who laid off Maryborough rail workers and sent their jobs overseas the last time they were in office."
As stated by State Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders:
"Maryborough has a proud manufacturing history, and this investment ensures there will be manufacturing jobs in Maryborough for years to come.
"This investment demonstrates the Miles Labor Government's Queensland Battery Industry Strategy is delivering the good manufacturing jobs of the future, especially in regional Queensland."
As stated by ESI Asia Pacific Managing Director Stuart Parry:
"ESI is a Queensland-based, Australian-owned manufacturer of proven grid-scale battery technology that solves a key problem in the energy transition – how to provide renewable grid-scale energy overnight.
"Thanks to this far-sighted support from Treasury and private investors, the first production of Australian-made grid-scale batteries will take place in Queensland by the end of 2025.
"ESI is targeting the delivery of 400 megawatts (MW) of energy storage annually from 2029 – enough to power a city the size of Toowoomba each year.
"Importantly, key battery components will be sourced from throughout Queensland, supporting businesses and creating skilled jobs in local communities."
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
- Learn more about the $570 million Queensland Battery Industry Strategy and its plan to supercharge a new industry.
- By supporting this emerging industry now, Queensland's battery industry could contribute up to $1.3 billion to economy and generate 9,100 clean economy jobs by 2030.
- Queensland Treasury's funding programs and investment support is helping accelerate the momentum that is firing Queensland's economy.
