400 MW

1,600 MWh battery size

235000

homes powered during peak demand periods when renewables are not producing

> 150

full-time equivalent jobs generated across the whole Construction Phase

Project Status

December 2025

Queensland Government reformed the BESS assessment, whereby the Planning Act introduced State Code 27, making SARA the assessment manager for projects of this scale. Rutherglen BESS is now required to re-lodge Development Application under new assessment criteria.

December 2025

These new assessment requirements mandated a Community Benefit Agreement before Development Application lodgement.

December 2025

Further expert studies have been commissioned, including significant Social Impact Assessment. These have now contributed to changes in the layout, design and operational controls of the facility.

March 2026

Federal Government determined the Rutherglen BESS project a non-controlled action under the EPBC Act.

March 2026

AMPYR and Gryphon Energy executed a Community Benefit Agreement with Gladstone Regional Council — the first for a battery storage facility with a Queensland council since the State's BESS planning changes.

May 2026

Minister confirmed SARA as assessment manager of the Project, with local Gladstone Regional Council as a referral agency.

June 2026

Rutherglen selected under the Australian Government's Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) Tender 8 — one of only 15 projects nationally, from 73 bids.

Location

Rutherglen Battery is located off Red Hill Road, around 6 km east of Bororen. It lies 47 km south of Gladstone, in the Gladstone Regional Council LGA.

Rutherglen will sit on a 23-hectare development site, within a 1,277-hectare lot. Rutherglen will build its own substation on Lot 132, transforming 33 kV up to 275 kV. This purpose- built substation will connect via an existing Powerlink-owned switchyard that currently crosses through the project site into the Powerlink Gin Gin–Calliope River 275 kV line.

Community

AMPYR and Gryphon Energy are committed to working with the local communities in Bororen, Miriam Vale and surrounds, to provide lasting benefits to the area. We believe that every neighbour and community member can, and should, have a seat at the table.

Through establishing a Community Engagement Forum, we aim to ensure that the local community benefits from employment and local business opportunities, bolstered support for regional emergency services, educational services and more.

Community Benefits
  • Community Benefit Agreement: AMPYR and Gryphon Energy are committed to generating more than $7.7 million in community benefits, through binding commitments under a Community Benefit Agreement.
  • Partnership with Gladstone Regional Council: These CBA commitments include funds filtered through the Gladstone Regional Council, dedicated neighbour payments and funds for community benefit funding programs.
  • Assistance to Emergency Services: We commit to contributing $200K to the Rural Fire Service of Queensland, with aims of strengthening the capacity and responsiveness of regional brigades – responding directly to concerns raised by the local community.
  • Partnerships with Education Providers: Partnerships with CQ University, the Industry Capability Network Qld and the Gladstone Engineering Alliance are being sought, where a contribution of $415K will be committed to support apprentices, trainees, an engineering cadet and local supply chains.
  • Local Employment Targets: A target of 80% Queensland employed workforce has been committed to, with 15% of trade position filled by apprentices – providing lasting professional development for local workers.
Community Benefit Fund

Over $40,000 of funding was provided during the 2025 round of the Rutherglen Battery Community Benefit Fund. We will be excited to launch the second round later in 2026.

For more information about the Community Benefit Fund, click here.

Empowering Australia’s First Nations

AMPYR is committed to partnering with local First Nations communities to respect culture and Country, support local jobs, business and training, and deliver legacy benefits for the community.

AMPYR is committed to partnering with local First Nations communities to respect culture and Country, support local jobs, business and training, and deliver legacy benefits for the community.

AMPYR intends to seek a formal benefit-sharing partnership with the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) peoples to deliver significant support for First Nations peoples of the area, over the life of the project. Equity stakes in AMPYR projects can deliver 20+ year revenues and support First Nations economic empowerment and self-determination.