AGL Energy has applied for federal environmental approval for a 500 MW, four‑hour grid‑scale battery energy storage system near Nebo in Queensland’s Mackay hinterland.

The facility would store up to 2,000 MWh of electricity, linking to Powerlink’s 275‑kV transmission network at the Nebo substation and supporting the region’s growing storage corridor.

AGL lodged the project for assessment under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act in October 2026, marking the first formal step toward construction.

The site occupies grazing farmland with tree‑covered areas and two farm dams; about half of the vegetation would be cleared, while 11.3 hectares of vegetation would be retained.

Environmental assessment highlights 11.1 hectares of koala habitat and other threatened species such as squatter pigeon, northern quoll, greater glider and white‑throated needletail, prompting mitigation measures.

AGL proposes either a staged build‑out or full‑capacity installation, though the final delivery strategy and construction timeline remain undecided.

Cost details have not been disclosed, and the project remains at the environmental assessment stage pending federal approval.

The Mount Britton battery would join other large‑scale proposals in the area, including Ace Power’s 900 MW battery and Iberdrola Australia’s 1,000 MW Burrenbring battery, underscoring the strategic importance of the Nebo transmission hub.