Eku Energy Submits 1,600MWh Monduran Battery Project for Review

Eku Energy has submitted plans for its 400MW/1,600MWh Monduran battery energy storage system (BESS) project to undergo environmental assessment under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The proposed facility will be situated near Bundaberg in northern Queensland, approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the city, adjacent to the existing Monduran Substation.

This utility-scale energy storage facility aims to support Queensland’s energy transition by providing significant grid-scale energy storage. The project submission, lodged with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), seeks to secure approval for a system capable of delivering a maximum capacity of 400MW and providing up to 1,600MWh of storage duration, which corresponds to four hours of energy supply.

Environmental Assessment Process Underway

The EPBC Act assessment process involves public consultation, evaluation of the environmental impact, and the establishment of conditions necessary for project approval. The DCCEEW will assess the potential environmental impacts of the Monduran project to determine the need for federal approval under national environmental legislation. According to the EPBC referral documentation, the project site is located within the Bundaberg Regional Council area and will connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) through existing transmission infrastructure.

The Monduran BESS will utilize lithium-ion battery technology contained in modular units, along with essential infrastructure such as inverters, transformers, control systems, and grid connection facilities. Construction is expected to span approximately 18 months, involving site preparation, installation of battery containers and associated electrical equipment, and the commissioning of the energy storage system.

Eku Energy’s submission highlights several matters of national environmental significance that require thorough assessment. This includes potential impacts on threatened species and ecological communities, notably the habitat for Koalas, which are classified as endangered under the EPBC Act.

Community Engagement and Economic Benefits

Eku Energy has committed to implementing various mitigation measures, including pre-clearance surveys, fauna relocation protocols, and habitat offset requirements. The company has also engaged in community consultation activities, hosting information sessions with local residents and stakeholders to address concerns regarding environmental impacts and land use compatibility.

The proposed Monduran BESS project is positioned to deliver economic benefits, including job creation during the construction phase and ongoing operational employment opportunities. It represents a notable contribution to Queensland’s renewable energy transition by enhancing energy storage capacity to back solar and wind generation throughout the state.

The Monduran project is part of a broader trend, as Australia sees a growing pipeline of energy storage projects seeking environmental approval. Recently, the state government has revised its energy storage targets, aiming for up to 4.3GW of short-duration energy storage to be operational by 2030. This includes at least 3.1GW expected from battery systems, an increase of 2.4GW from 2025 levels.

Queensland’s Energy Roadmap 2025 prioritizes investment in short- and medium-duration storage technologies while shifting focus from large-scale pumped hydro projects to smaller and more manageable initiatives. The roadmap emphasizes private sector opportunities, particularly in battery storage systems, signalling a strategic pivot in the state’s approach to energy storage and renewable energy development.