Powering a brighter Queensland: The Rutherglen Battery Project

BENEFITS

KEY DETAILS

FAQ

SITE IMAGES

TIMELINE

CONTACT

The Rutherglen Battery Project is a critical piece of energy infrastructure, delivering 1600MWh of grid-firming capacity to ensure a stable, reliable, and lower-carbon energy future for the Gladstone Region and for Queenslanders.

A Strategic Asset for
Grid Reliability

The project is strategically vital and is a core component of Queensland’s energy future.

Grid Reliability and Security: The facility will provide essential "grid firming capacity" and is designed to enhance energy system reliability and security for the Queensland network.

Economic Impact: The project will be a significant addition to the region’s electricity infrastructure, aligning with the Gladstone Region Economic Transition Roadmap which identifies renewable energy as a key economic driver.




Supporting Energy Goals: The project directly supports transition of the state's energy system from fossil fuels to renewable generation and gives Queenslanders reliable energy after dark.



Low Impact Design: The facility is designed to minimise local impacts and will be located within an area created by earthworks to be an "almost bunded area," which will effectively assist with noise attenuation, visual amenity, and stormwater flows.

Replacing Baseload Power: The project's storage capacity is critical to helping to replace the baseload power (1,680MW) anticipated to be lost with the projected retirement of the Gladstone Power Station.




Strategic Location: The site is an ideal location because existing Powerlink transmission lines (Gin Gin to Calliope River, part of the 'Backbone Transmission' upgrade) traverse the property, enabling direct and efficient grid integration.




Cost Management: The facility uses "arbitrage" by storing excess power and distributing it during peak demand, which helps keep electricity prices low by integrating variable renewable infrastructure more efficiently.




KEY PROJECT DETAILS & TECHNOLOGY

LOCATION

The Rutherglen Battery Project will be developed on a single lot, Lot 132 on FD700. This site is a large, 1,277-hectare property with approximately 3km of frontage to Red Hill Road. It is geographically located in the Gladstone Regional Council local government area, about 6km east of Bororen and 10km north of Miriam Vale. The land is presently utilised for cattle grazing (rural use).

TECHNOLOGY

The facility will use Lithium-Iron Phosphate or Lithium ferrous phosphate ('LFP') battery chemistry. LFP is an advanced subtype of Lithium Ion battery known for its high energy density, extended lifespan, and enhanced safety features. The project will also include a Substation (transforming the electrical energy from 33kV to 275kV), and a High Voltage (HV) Switchyard owned and operated by Powerlink.

SITE

The core Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the co-located substation component, inverters, and laydown area will be located within an approximate 20-hectare development area. The HV Switchyard, located on a separate proposed lot with a total area of 7.8 hectares allocated.

IMPACT

The project is designed to minimize local impact, with its approximately 28 hectare footprint containing the facility in a screened area to reduce visual and noise effects. Key assessments confirm that environmental, traffic, and fire risks can be safely managed, allowing the remaining 1,277 hectare site to continue its rural use while providing a major strategic benefit to Queensland's energy grid.

 

MAP - GENERAL LOCATION

LOCATION WITHIN SITE BOUNDARY

For detailed maps of the project, site and infrastructure, visit Planning Documents Page and find (1) Final Planning Report and (2) Attachment 1 - Compiled Plans.

PROJECT TIMELINE

2025

Pre-Lodgement Consultation: A formal pre-lodgement meeting was held with the Gladstone Regional Council on 8 August 2025 to discuss the project and technical requirements.

Development Application Submission: The final Planning Report was submitted to the Council on 23 October 2025.

2026

Following the Development Permit being granted, an Operational Works approval for civil components, such as earthworks, will be underrtaken prior to works commencing on-site. This is expected to be completed in 2026.

2027-2029

The project is strategically aligned with the Gladstone Regional Economic Transition Roadmap, and critical network upgrades and construction works will commence in 2027 and are scheduled to be complete to meet the likely retirement of the Gladstone Power Station by 2029.

FAQ’S

  • Gryphon Energy is an Australian company based in Brisbane, with other renewable energy projects in southeast Queensland. 

    We aim to assist Queenslander to stabilise household and industry power bills, and bring greater energy independence and reliability.

  • Rutherglen Storage Project is located approximately 6km east of Bororen township, 10km north of Miriam Vale, 33km west of Agnes Waters and 53km south-east of Gladstone.  The chosen location, Lot 132 on FD700 known as Red Hill station is remote without close neighbours and is considered a suitable location for the project.

  • Yes! You can email your expression of interest via the contact us for on this site and your details will be maintained on an interested party register and you will be emailed as we commence construction planning.

  • The land has previously been cleared and no significant additional clearing is expected to be required.


  • The technology deployed will be located away from existing waterways and will not leach into the environment.


  • The project is designed with sustainability in mind. Environmental impact assessments have been conducted, and measures are in place to protect local wildlife, preserve native vegetation, and minimise disruption to the ecosystem.

  • The project will create local jobs during both the construction and operational phases. We are committed to sourcing materials and services locally wherever possible.

  • Construction is planned to begin in 2027 and will last approximately 2 years. We are committed to minimisng disruption during this time, with clear communication and scheduled updates. The operational phase will have minimal impact on daily life.

  • Red Hill Renewable Energy (RHRE) is committed to being open and honest with the local community and as the project develops we will engage with directly affected landowners and local community.

  • The solar farm will contribute to the local energy grid, providing clean, renewable energy to the community. It will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support Queensland's transition to a sustainable energy future.

  • We welcome community input and involvement throughout the project. Regular meetings, open days, and this project website will provide platforms for feedback, updates, and engagement with the project team.

Contact us.

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