Tully BESS

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) determination - “Not a Controlled Action” – January 2026
• Community Benefit Agreement executed with Cassowary Coast Regional Council – May 2026
• Development Application submitted June 2026

Expecting to be operational by 2028.

^{Last updated June 2026}

The Tully BESS would serve as a critical piece of infrastructure to support energy storage development in regional Australia and enhance supply reliability for households and businesses.

Battery systems such as the proposed Tully BESS can charge during periods of high solar generation and discharge during periods of peak demand, helping to balance the electricity system and make better use of existing electricity generation resources.

Key features of the proposed Tully BESS include:

• Stores energy from diverse sources – stores excess energy from, coal, gas, hydro, rooftop solar and utility renewables
• Fast response – responds in milliseconds to deliver energy when it is needed most
• Improves reliability – supports the grid during peak demand and system disturbances. It also stores excess energy that otherwise might be curtailed during periods of high renewable generation
• Supports more affordable energy – stores excess low-cost energy during the day and releases it during peak demand periods, reducing pressure on electricity prices
• Supports rooftop solar – enables excess energy from rooftop solar to be stored
• Relieves network stress – reduces pressure on the transmission network during evening peak

Project timeline is indicative only and subject to change based on planning approvals, grid connection requirements, procurement, and construction conditions.

RWE works collaboratively with the communities where our projects are based. We have proactively engaged with local communities in the Cassowary Coast LGA, including landholders, Traditional Owners, key stakeholders and the community to seek their feedback and input on the project.

We keep the community up to date through regular newsletters, community drop-in sessions and engagement events in the Tully region. Our project team is in the Tully community regularly and can provide briefings on the project and visit community groups and organisations at their place of operation.

You are welcome to contact the project team any time on 1800 879 435 or email us here.

RWE Renewables Australia and Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) have co-designed and executed a $3.45 million Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) for the proposed Tully BESS.

The CBA is a key initiative designed to maximise the positive outcomes of the Project while helping to manage potential social impacts. It has been informed by extensive community and stakeholder engagement undertaken as part of the Social Impact Assessment and reflects the values, priorities and aspirations identified by the local community.

Co-designed by RWE and CCRC, the agreement provides a transparent and accountable framework for delivering 23 years of community benefits throughout the life of the Project. The CBA focuses on supporting the Tully community, which is expected to experience the greatest direct interaction with the Project.

At the heart of the agreement is the RWE Tully Community Fund, which will provide ongoing investment into local initiatives and community development, including:

• $125,000 per year to support community projects and initiatives, aligned with Council's community grants program.
• $25,000 per year to support a dedicated local Tully trainee position, responsible for administering the fund

The RWE Tully Community Fund will operate when construction starts in 2027. More details will be made available at that time.

Applications are open for the Tully BESS Sponsorship Fund. The fund supports community initiatives, projects and activities that benefit the Tully community.

• Funding of $35,000 is available until 31 January 2027, or until available funding has been allocated.
• Applications are assessed by RWE Renewables Australia.
• Applications must show how their project benefits the Tully community.

How to apply

To apply for sponsorship, please download and complete the application form and submit it to [email protected].

If you have any questions about the Sponsorship Fund or the application process, please contact the Tully BESS team via email [email protected] or phone 0473 351 706.

We encourage local community groups, sporting clubs, schools, not-for-profit organisations and community initiatives to apply.

The Development Application (DA) for the proposed Tully BESS was submitted to the Queensland state planning authority in June 2026. You can find the included reports via from the links below or from the SARA application material (reference 2606-52806).

RWE began preparing the Tully BESS DA in late 2024.

In December 2025, the Queensland Government introduced changes to the planning framework for BESS projects through the Planning (Battery Storage Facilities) and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2025.

RWE had previously submitted a Development Application for the proposed Tully BESS to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) in September 2025. Following the government changes RWE undertook further technical studies, completed a Social Impact Assessment and co-designed and executed the Community Benefit Agreement.

The project is now assessed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) rather than CCRC, and additional technical studies have been completed.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) referral for the Tully BESS project was submitted to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) in early December 2025. The referral was on public exhibition from 9 to 23 December. In January 2026 the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has determined that the Tully BESS is a “Not a Controlled Action” under the EPBC Act. 

This decision means the Tully BESS project does not require further assessment and approval under the EPBC Act.

RWE Renewables Australia is committed to best practice customer service to ensure feedback is addressed fairly, effectively, and transparently. If you have a complaint, please email us here or call 1800 311 915.

You can find our Complaints Handling Policy here.