THE PORT of Brisbane embedded energy network has gone live at PBPL’S Port West Industrial Estate (Stage 2).
The embedded network allows Port of Brisbane to supply 100% renewable power to tenants of the industrial estate – an 89-hectare site in Lytton, which is about six kilometres from the wharves and terminals.
Port West Stage 2 comprises about 27 hectares of developable land within the industrial estate, with PBPL bringing the land online progressively to meet demand. Stage 1 is already fully developed.
PBPL said the network enables the port to supply power to customers through onsite generation, storage or via a power purchase agreement (PPA).
The embedded network will initially be supported by a one-megawatt rooftop solar system, a one-megawatt/1.75 megawatt-hours battery energy storage system (BESS) and a green PPA with Momentum Energy.
The roof of the new Electrolux Australia facility provides the site for the solar system.
PBPL CEO Neil Stephens said the ability to access 100% renewable energy would be beneficial to the port and to customers who have their own sustainability aspirations.
“Stage 2 of our Port West Industrial Estate – as we deliver new facilities for our first tenants – provided the perfect platform for us to identify opportunities for shared services that would help reduce resource use and achieve cost efficiencies for PBPL and our customers,” Mr Stephens said.
“Within the estate, energy use – through solar power generation and battery storage – represents one of the most significant opportunities to create shared value for our customers.
“This is a leading achievement, and I congratulate port employees together with our contractors and partners, for working through the development of this innovative approach to provide cheaper, reliable and renewable energy supply.
“As the estate continues to grow, we look forward to exploring opportunities to expand onsite generation and energy storage capacity further in the future.”
Alongside Electrolux Australia, Stage 2 facilities are also being constructed for Bridgestone Australia and existing PBPL customer Team Transport & Logistics.
PBPL achieved net zero emissions (scope one and two, with offsets) in 2023/24.
The port said it continues to investigate opportunities to eliminate remaining scope one and two emissions from its operations, while remaining focused on working with our customers to reduce our scope three emissions.
