Akaysha Energy announced that its Ulinda Park Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Phase 1 is now operational and trading in the National Electricity Market. The 155MW/298 MWh battery system commenced operations on December 16, 2025, providing energy-shifting and Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) to support Queensland's energy reliability and renewable generation expansion.

Technical Specifications and Location

The Ulinda Park BESS connects to Powerlink's Western Downs 275 kV Terminal Station near Hopeland/Chinchilla. The facility is strategically located adjacent to existing high-voltage infrastructure, leveraging the Western Downs transmission hub that was initially built for conventional generation. The system now serves to firm local solar and wind generation, reduce curtailment, and provide fast frequency response during peak periods to damp price spikes.

The battery stores sufficient energy to power approximately 400,000 homes for one hour at peak demand. The system provides millisecond-fast response capabilities for frequency control and system balancing, improving grid security as more variable renewable energy sources connect to the network.

Revenue Structure and Financial Arrangements

Ulinda Park's revenue model is supported by a 10-year battery revenue swap agreement with Re2, described as a leading climate risk transfer platform. This arrangement balances contracted and merchant exposure while preserving operational flexibility for Akaysha Energy to optimize bidding strategies across both energy and FCAS markets.

The revenue swap structure allows the company to maintain operational control over the battery's market participation while providing financial certainty through the contracted component of the arrangement.

System Benefits and Market Impact

The operational battery system delivers multiple benefits to the electricity grid and consumers. For grid stability and reliability, Ulinda Park provides rapid frequency control and system balancing services, enhancing security as additional variable renewable energy sources connect to the network.

The system creates downward pressure on electricity prices by shifting low-cost daytime renewable energy to evening peak periods and supplying FCAS services locally. This functionality reduces extreme price volatility, a benefit observed in comparable large-scale battery installations.

For residential customers and small-to-medium enterprises, the battery system increases grid reliability. It reduces peak-period price volatility, leading to more affordable energy costs compared to scenarios without storage infrastructure. The project also generated community benefits by creating dozens of construction jobs and supporting ongoing skilled positions in operations and maintenance.

Expansion Plans and Future Development

Akaysha Energy was recently awarded a Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) contract for the Ulinda Park Expansion project. The expansion phase will add approximately 195MW/780 MWh of capacity, bringing the total site capacity to approximately 350 MW/1,078 MWh upon completion. This expansion will further boost firming capacity for Queensland's electricity network.

Nick Carter, CEO of Akaysha Energy, commented on the operational milestone: “With Ulinda Park up and running, and the CIS-backed expansion progressing, we're turning the Western Downs into a major storage hub. That means a steadier grid for Queenslanders and new tools for retailers and big energy users to manage risk and keep energy costs under control”.

Carter acknowledged the project team's contributions, stating: “It's thanks to the hard work of the entire project team, especially our project partners, Consolidated Power Projects, Hitachi Energy, Wilson Transformer Company, and Re2, that we were able to reach this significant milestone.”

The Ulinda Park BESS represents Akaysha Energy's continued expansion in the large-scale battery energy storage market, with the company positioning itself as a market leader in BESS development and operations across Australia's National Electricity Market.

Connect with Decision-makers about the Latest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Projects in Australia for business Opportunities.

Subscribe to our database on BESS Projects and Tenders in Australia to get access to reliable and high-quality insights on upcoming, under-construction, and completed BESS Projects across the world or in your desired geographical location.

Our user-friendly platform provides essential details, timely updates, key stakeholder contact information, and business opportunities tailored for engineering companies, industry professionals, investors, and government agencies.