Energy Minister Chris Bowen responded to a national senator’s complaint about a $60 million Tesla power grid after a fire broke out overnight.
The Bouldercombe battery project, adjacent to the Powerlink substation near Rockhampton, was called to emergency around 7:45 p. m. Tuesday after reporting a fire.
Queensland Police said the chimney caused “dangerous smoke” to seep into the domain and reportedly sparked a garage unit with lithium batteries.
U. S. Senator Matt Canavan scathingly criticizes the new network of forces.
“Our new power grid is worse than our old power grid,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.
The Minister of Energy was quick to respond to Senator Canavan, accusing him of taking the opportunity to demonize renewables.
“A fuel cylinder caught fire at a gas station in my area last week. This led to a series of explosions and a main fire,” Mr. Bowen replied in X.
“I don’t want to draw any conclusions about energy security?The LNP will look for any excuse to demonize renewables.
The battery allocation is one of the first large-scale independent battery garage installations in Queensland. It is expected to cover up to 4,167 homes and generate 27,375 MWh per year.
The fire contained a Tesla battery Wednesday morning.
Fire crews remain on standby to monitor it while Elon Musk’s company reportedly requested an emergency to let it burn.
“Police will continue to monitor the situation as there is a giant amount of batteries at the scene and it is conceivable that the fire could spread to other units, creating a greater risk,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“Work is underway to shut down the surrounding batteries and it is possible that they will continue for several days. “
Low smoke persists in the area as an emergency and alert factor for people in the vicinity.
Residents are asked to close their windows and doors and put away their medications if they suffer from a respiratory illness.
Initial investigations suggest the fire is suspicious.