EOI timeline
Stage 1
Powerlink opens Expressions of Interest
Stage 2
Request for Proposal
Stage 3
Negotiation and Final Selection
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Requests for expressions of interest for the installation and operation of large-scale battery energy storage systems in the Powerlink transmission network.
Powerlink recognises the energy industry is undergoing transformative change and is actively investigating the application and benefits of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) installed within the Powerlink network.
This Expression of Interest (EOI) will look to engage with external developers, investors and stakeholders in BESS for the purpose of generating innovative commercial and technical models that will meet both Powerlink’s network technical requirements and investors’ requirements for commercial returns.
Powerlink proposes to offer BESS project proponents the opportunity to construct and install their BESS at key points in the transmission network. Powerlink will facilitate these projects through various technical and commercial support mechanisms which are outlined within the full EOI document below.
Lodging a submission
Submissions for the EOI closed on 23 April 2021, with no additional submissions being accepted.
However, any customers interested in further information on connecting a BESS to the Queensland transmission network should reach out to our Business Development team directly through the contact details below.
Contact details
Business Development team
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA QLD 4014
Frequently asked questions
Click on a question below to expand and view Powerlink's response.
Powerlink Response
For the purposes of this EOI it is not Powerlink’s expectation that Proponents will provide site specific network solutions.
The EOI seeks to identify those Proponents who have the capacity and capability to work with Powerlink to create innovative commercial technical BESS solutions and models.
The EOI requests only sufficient technical information to enable Powerlink to shortlist Proponents for Stage 2, where more detailed technical discussions will take place. Please refer to Section 1 of the EOI, Purpose, Scope and Process.
Refer to Addendum 01 Site Specific Information for North Queensland for further information.
Powerlink Response
Refer to the above response to Question 1.
Powerlink Response
For the purposes of the EOI, Powerlink does not expect Proponents to provide the level of detail noted in the question. Level 1 maintenance regimes may vary across various battery types, and Powerlink will not commit to any level of maintenance before the battery type is known.
Powerlink response
The point regarding synergies between contractors on site is noted. However it may be the case that the core contractor skills for the installation of a 275kV transformer and a BESS may vary. Such questions would be addressed much later in this process.
Powerlink response
As noted in Addendum 1, ‘the two sites are provided as examples only’. It is not Powerlink’s intention to provide this level of information for each potential site in the Central and Southern zones as part of the EOI process.
Powerlink response
The EOI seeks to identify those Proponents who have the capacity and capability to work with Powerlink to create innovative technical BESS solutions and commercial models.
The EOI requests only sufficient technical information to enable Powerlink to shortlist Proponents for Stage 2, where more detailed technical discussions will take place.
Please refer to:
- Section 1 of the EOI, Purpose, Scope and Process.
- Section 4 of the EOI refers to network services, including grid forming and voltage services, but also notes that Powerlink seeks innovative offers for a broad range of services.
Question continued
We read this section as a request to provide information related to services a proponent would offer and how the proponent would offer them. We do not read this as a request to submit any pricing of these services. Can we request confirmation of this?
Powerlink response
This is confirmed. In this Expression of Interest, Powerlink is requesting proponents to propose new and innovative network support and commercial arrangements (Arrangements). Importantly, Powerlink is looking to proponents to propose arrangements which fully value and utilise the Powerlink Participation and Support mechanisms outlined in section 3 of the EOI.
Powerlink’s expectation is that proponents will provide high level details of proposed arrangements in their EOI response. Detailed pricing is not required at this stage. More details may be requested of shortlisted proponents in Stage 2 of this process (see Section 1 ‘Process’ of the EOI).