Lightsource bp Begins Construction on Major Australian Renewable Energy Projects, Advancing the Nation’s Energy Transition

Lightsource bp Begins Construction on Major Australian Renewable Energy Projects, Advancing the Nation’s Energy Transition

(IN BRIEF) Lightsource bp has commenced construction on two major renewable energy projects in Australia: the 585MWdc Goulburn River solar farm in New South Wales and the Woolooga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Queensland. The Goulburn River project, one of the largest solar farms in the state, will produce 1.3TWh annually, powering 225,000 homes and cutting 910,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. A long-duration battery will be added to enable hybrid functionality by 2026. The Woolooga BESS will store 640MWh of energy and provide grid stabilization. Together, these projects highlight Lightsource bp’s commitment to integrating solar and storage technologies to support Australia’s energy transition. The company has developed over 1.2GW of renewable capacity in Australia and is expanding its 7.5GW pipeline while exploring wind energy and green hydrogen opportunities.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 16-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Lightsource bp, a global leader in renewable energy development, has announced the start of construction on two transformative projects in Australia: the Goulburn River hybrid project in New South Wales and the Woolooga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Queensland. These ventures represent significant progress in integrating solar power and battery storage to create efficient and reliable energy solutions.

The 585MWdc Goulburn River solar farm, located near Merriwa, New South Wales, is set to become one of the largest approved solar farms in the state. Once operational, it will generate approximately 1.3TWh of renewable energy annually, equivalent to powering 225,000 homes, while avoiding 910,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Recognized under the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), the project also received a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) through a competitive tender process with the New South Wales government. A long-duration battery will be added later, enabling hybrid operation. The solar farm is expected to be operational by late 2026.

Meanwhile, the Woolooga BESS, situated near Gympie, Queensland, will complement the Woolooga solar farm. Comprising 128 battery units, it will provide 640MWh of energy storage with a 222MW export capacity. This system will store surplus energy during low demand periods and release it when demand peaks, stabilizing the grid and supporting renewable energy reliability. Woolooga BESS is slated for completion by mid-2026.

Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for APAC at Lightsource bp, emphasized the importance of these projects: “Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the energy transition with its abundant renewable resources. These projects demonstrate that wind and solar, backed by battery storage, are already delivering the most cost-effective and reliable energy solutions. By embracing firmed renewables, we can modernize our energy grid, drive sustainable development, and position Australia as a leader in renewable energy innovation.”

These initiatives cap an ambitious year for Lightsource bp, which has also begun its first solar projects in Taiwan and New Zealand. Together, these developments add 1.1GW of renewable capacity to its portfolio. Since entering the Australian market in 2018, Lightsource bp has developed and financed over 1.2GW of projects and is actively growing its 7.5GW solar and battery storage pipeline across Australia and New Zealand. The company is also exploring complementary technologies, including wind energy and green hydrogen integration.

With renewable energy projects like Goulburn River and Woolooga BESS, Lightsource bp is driving Australia’s energy transition by delivering clean, cost-effective, and reliable solutions to meet growing energy demands while fostering economic and environmental progress.

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SOURCE: Lightsource bp