Powering a brighter Queensland: the Rutherglen Battery

BENEFITS

KEY DETAILS

FAQ

SITE IMAGES

TIMELINE

CONTACT

The Rutherglen Battery is a critical piece of energy infrastructure, delivering 1,600MWh of grid-firming capacity to ensure a stable, reliable, and lower-carbon energy future for the Gladstone Region and for Queenslanders.

UPDATE (11/12/25):

On 11 December 2025 the Queensland Government introduced new planning requirements for battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. As a result, the development application previously lodged with Gladstone Regional Council is now considered improperly made and will be resubmitted through the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) under the new framework.

We welcome these reforms, which establish clearer and more consistent standards for BESS developments and support responsible, transparent delivery with lasting community benefits.

Our team is reviewing the Rutherglen Battery against State Code 27 and is confident the existing reports and plans will meet the updated criteria with some minor amendments and additions. We remain committed to progressing the project through the appropriate approvals process and will continue to keep the community informed.

A Strategic Asset for
Grid Reliability

The project is strategically vital, supporting Queensland’s energy future.

Grid Reliability and Security: The facility will provide essential grid firming capacity and is designed to enhance energy system reliability and security for the Queensland network.

Economic Impact: The project will be a significant addition to the region’s electricity infrastructure, aligning with the Gladstone Region Economic Transition Roadmap which identifies renewable energy as a key economic driver.

Supporting Energy Goals: The project directly supports transition of the state's energy system from fossil fuels to renewable generation and gives Queenslanders reliable energy after dark.

Low Impact Design: The facility is designed to minimise local impacts and will be located within an area shaped by earthworks to form an "almost bunded area," – a space partly enclosed by raised earth banks that help reduce noise,  improve visual screening, and manage stormwater flows.

Storing Baseload Power: The project's storage capacity is critical to helping to replace the 1,600 MW baseload power  anticipated to be lost with the projected retirement of the Gladstone Power Station.

Strategic Location: The site is well located, with existing Powerlink transmission lines (Gin Gin to Calliope River, part of the 'Backbone Transmission' upgrade) traversing the property, enabling direct and efficient grid integration.

Purpose: The facility uses "arbitrage" - storing excess power and then supplying it during peak demand, which helps keep overall electricity costs down, making better use of renewable energy.

KEY PROJECT DETAILS & TECHNOLOGY

LOCATION

The Rutherglen Battery will be developed on a single lot, Lot 132 on FD700. This site is a large, 1,277-hectare property with approximately 3km of frontage to Red Hill Road. It is geographically located in the Gladstone Regional Council local government area, about 6km east of Bororen and 10km north of Miriam Vale. The land is currently used for cattle grazing (rural use).

TECHNOLOGY

The facility will use Lithium-Iron Phosphate or Lithium ferrous phosphate ('LFP') battery chemistry. LFP is an advanced subtype of Lithium Ion battery known for its high energy density, extended lifespan, and enhanced safety features. The project will also include a Substation (transforming the electrical energy from 33kV to 275kV), and a High Voltage (HV) Switchyard owned and operated by Powerlink.

SITE

The core Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the co-located substation component, inverters, and laydown area will be located within an approximate 20-hectare development area. The HV Switchyard is located on a separate area with a total area of 7.8 hectares allocated.

IMPACT

The project is designed to minimise local impact, with its approximately 28 hectare footprint containing the facility in a screened area to reduce visual and noise effects. Key assessments confirm that environmental, traffic, and fire risks can be safely managed, allowing the remaining 1,277 hectare site to continue its rural use while providing a major strategic benefit to Queensland's energy grid.

MAP - GENERAL LOCATION

 

LOCATION WITHIN SITE BOUNDARY

For detailed maps of the project, site and infrastructure, visit the Resources Page and find (1) Final Planning Report and (2) Attachment 1 - Compiled Plans.

Download the Project Factsheet and Project Q&A Document.

PROJECT TIMELINE

2025

Pre-Lodgement Consultation: A formal pre-lodgement meeting was held with the Gladstone Regional Council on 8 August 2025 to discuss the project and technical requirements.

Development Application Submission: The final Planning Report was submitted to the Council on 23 October 2025.

2026

Following the Development Permit being granted, an Operational Works approval for civil components, such as earthworks, will be undertaken prior to works commencing on-site. This is expected to be completed in 2026.

2027-2029

The project is strategically aligned with the Gladstone Regional Economic Transition Roadmap, and critical network upgrades and construction works will commence in 2027 and are scheduled to be complete to meet the likely retirement of the Gladstone Power Station by 2029.

FAQ’S

  • Gryphon Energy is an Australian company based in Brisbane, with other renewable energy projects in southeast Queensland.

    We aim to assist Queenslanders to stabilise household and industry power bills, and bring greater energy independence and reliability.

  • Rutherglen Battery is located approximately 6km east of Bororen township, 10km north of Miriam Vale, 33km west of Agnes Waters and 53km south-east of Gladstone. The chosen location, Lot 132 on FD700 known as Red Hill Station is remote, without close neighbours and is considered a suitable location for the project.

  • Yes! You can email your expression of interest via the contact us form on this site and your details will be maintained on an interested party register. You will be emailed as we commence construction planning.

  • The land has previously been cleared and no significant additional clearing is expected to be required.


  • The battery will be located away from existing waterways and will not leach into the environment.

  • The project is designed with sustainability in mind. Environmental impact assessments have been conducted, and measures are in place to protect local wildlife, preserve native vegetation, and minimise disruption to the ecosystem.

  • The project will support the local economy during both the construction and operational phases through job creation and sourcing materials and services locally.

    During project development, a $40,000 per annum Community Benefit Fund will be established to provide immediate funding to local initiatives. Applications will be sought in late 2025, and funds awarded to successful applications in early 2026.

    We are currently formalising a Community Benefit Agreement with the Gladstone Regional Council to ensure that benefits during project operations address regional needs but also have a local focus. We welcome feedback at this time about the how benefits should be tailored to meet the needs of the community around the project.

  • Construction is planned to begin in 2027 and will last approximately 2 years. We are committed to minimising disruption during this time, with clear communication and scheduled updates. The operational phase will have minimal impact on daily life.

  • Red Hill Renewable Energy (RHRE) is committed to being open and honest with the local community and will continue to engage with directly affected landowners and local community throughout project development. Independent consultants, ERM, have been engaged to undertake a social impact assessment for the Project. This assessment will consider community views at different points during the planning process, including in the development of benefit sharing programs, to ensure the development is socially appropriate and locally informed.

  • The project will contribute to the local energy grid, providing clean, renewable energy to the community. It will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and support Queensland's transition to a sustainable energy future.

  • We are currently seeking feedback to inform the Social Impact Assessment for the project. Additionally, we are inviting interested community members to speak with the project directly about future opportunities to participate in a community committee.

Contact us.

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