For information purposes only. This image is an artist’s conceptual rendering, based upon preliminary development plans, and is subject to change. It is not to scale and shown solely for illustrative purposes.
The proposal
RWE Renewables Australia has submitted a Development Application (DA) to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council for a standalone, lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Tully in Far North Queensland, about 150 kilometres south of Cairns and 50 kilometres from Innisfail.
The proposed project footprint is about nine hectares and is adjacent to Powerlink’s Tully Substation. The project is expected to have a 200+MW capacity – enough to power about 15,000 homes for four hours – and is the largest standalone BESS currently proposed for Far North Queensland.
The Tully Substation is a key node supplying power to North and Far North Queensland. The Tully BESS would be a key piece of infrastructure in supporting energy storage development in regional Australia and would help make supply more secure for households and businesses.
We are in the early stages of development, with initial planning and environmental studies now complete and ongoing stakeholder and community engagement underway. We are committed to delivering local economic and employment benefits for the Tully community and the broader Far North Queensland region.
Project location
Click on the image to zoom
Project status: Development Application (DA) submitted to Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Operation: Targeting late 2028 for initial operations
Construction and operation of the project would involve the following key components:
BESS Infrastructure
- BESS containers;
- Inverters;
- Medium Voltage (MV) transformers;
- Cooling systems (as required);
- Switchroom;
- Substation.
General Site Infrastructure
- Switchyard;
- Operations and Maintenance (O&M) buildings;
- Site office and associated amenities (bathroom facilities, lunch/break room, and first-aid room);
- Storage sheds;
- Cabling;
- Fencing; and
- Staff carpark.
Facts & figures
00
MW
battery storage
Power about
00
homes for 4 hours
Around
00
ha
development footprint
About
00
full-time
jobs during construction
Up to
00
month construction period
Targeting
00
for initial operations
Project benefits
The proposed Tully BESS aims to improve the reliability and security of the electricity network by storing energy during periods of low demand, and dispatching energy during periods of peak demand and emergency events. The BESS would be a key piece of infrastructure in supporting energy storage development in regional Australia and would subsequently assist in reducing emissions by improving national resilience in energy supply and supporting affordable energy for Australian homes.
The project would also create job opportunities, with an estimated 60 full-time equivalent jobs during the up to 18-month construction period and up to three ongoing positions during operations.
Click on the image to zoom
Our proposed BESS will play a vital role in strengthening the electricity network across Far North Queensland. By storing energy when demand is low and delivering it when it’s needed most—like during peak periods or emergencies—the BESS will improve the reliability, security, and resilience of the network in Far North Queensland.
The project will also bring real economic benefits to the region. Construction is expected to generate about 60 full-time equivalent jobs over an 18-month period, with ongoing operations supporting up to three permanent roles. We’re proud to contribute to local employment, skills development, and Queensland overall.
Estimated
project timeline
Complaints
News and events
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October 2025 – Tully BESS newsletter edition 1
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July 2025 – Tully BESS Frequently Asked Questions
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Tully BESS team
RWE Renewables Australia Pty Ltd.
Level 4
260 Queen Street
Brisbane, 4000, Australia
260 Queen Street
Brisbane, 4000, Australia
