Qld expands grid storage with big battery

Another 12 smaller batteries will also be rolled out, each up to 8MWhrs.

"The Greenbank battery will be a game-changer in the way we operate the grid and will be critical for soaking up our sunshine and wind to feed into the system when Queenslanders need it," Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said in a statement.

"Queensland's publicly-owned power companies are already investing in 430 megawatts of batteries and today's commitment will grow that capacity to more than 720 megawatts."

Increased battery capacity will mean better grid management as more renewable energy come online, Energy Queensland CEO Rod Duke said.

"Having more storage capacity will enable us to move electricity in both space and time and that will lead to greater network stability and reliability for customers," he said.

This week's state budget also included $35 million in funding for a feasibility study on a 5-7GW pumped hydropower storage project.

Another $13 million will be spent on finalising a study for a proposed 1GW pumped hydro project near Gympie.

Queensland already has the nation's highest wholesale electricity prices, which experts say is mostly due to its reliance on fossil fuel and lack of energy storage.

Household electricity bills will rise by 10 per cent, while power bills for businesses will soar 20 per cent from July.

Treasurer Cameron Dick will partly offset that by wiping $14.58 off household monthly bills for the next 12 months.