Fire hits Genex battery project in Queensland

Australian renewable energy company Genex Power Ltd (ASX:GNX) said on Wednesday that “a minor fire incident” has occurred at its 50-MW/100-MWh Bouldercombe battery project in Queensland.

One of the 40 Tesla Megapack units caught fire at about 1945 local time on Tuesday, with no impact to other modules, the company explained. The low-intensity fire was being allowed to burn out, it added.

The battery system, which is in the final stages of its commissioning phase, has been disconnected from the grid.

Genex said it is working with Tesla Motors Australia Pty Ltd and Consolidated Power Projects Pty Ltd to investigate the cause of the fire.

Queensland’s Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) said on Tuesday night that multiple crews were on the scene and that large amounts of smoke would impact the area.

In an update on Wednesday morning, it said that the fire was contained with crews continuing to monitor the situation. Nearby residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed due to persistent smoke.

Back in 2021, there was a fire incident during initial testing at the 300-MW/450-MWh Victorian Big Battery project in Australia.

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