Lower Wonga Solar and Battery Project Moves into Construction as Lightsource bp Expands Hybrid Strategy in Australia

Lower Wonga Solar and Battery Project Moves into Construction as Lightsource bp Expands Hybrid Strategy in Australia

(IN BRIEF) Lightsource bp has begun construction on the Lower Wonga solar and battery energy storage hybrid project near Gympie in Queensland, Australia. The project will combine an approximately 380MWdc solar farm with a 281MW/843MWh battery energy storage system, making it one of the largest hybrid renewable energy projects in the country. Once operational in late 2028, Lower Wonga is expected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 126,000 homes annually while adding renewable generation and dispatchable capacity to the National Electricity Market. Lightsource bp has signed a hybrid offtake agreement with Rio Tinto, combining solar generation with battery storage to supply reliable renewable power and support Rio Tinto’s Queensland energy portfolio. The project has also secured support under the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme and is expected to create around 400 to 500 jobs at peak construction, with INTEC Energy Solutions and Gotion Hi-Tech Australia appointed as the EPC partners.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 5-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ —  Lightsource bp has started construction on the Lower Wonga solar farm and battery energy storage hybrid project in Queensland, advancing one of the company’s most significant integrated renewable energy developments worldwide.

Located near Gympie, the project will combine an approximately 380MWdc solar farm with a 281MW/843MWh battery energy storage system. By bringing together large-scale solar generation and flexible battery storage, Lower Wonga is set to become one of the largest hybrid renewable energy projects in Australia.

Once operational, the project will add substantial renewable generation and dispatchable capacity to the National Electricity Market. It is expected to support the delivery of lower-cost electricity while helping the power system respond more effectively to changing demand. The development is projected to generate enough electricity each year to power the equivalent of around 126,000 homes.

Lightsource bp has also signed a hybrid offtake agreement with Rio Tinto, combining low-cost solar power with battery storage to provide reliable renewable electricity. The agreement supports Rio Tinto’s renewable energy portfolio in Queensland and demonstrates the growing importance of integrated solar and storage projects for large industrial energy users.

The offtake arrangement also reflects Lightsource bp’s strategy of developing tailored energy solutions for customers. Hybrid agreements of this kind are expected to become an important model for future renewable energy projects, particularly as companies seek long-term price certainty, lower emissions and greater energy reliability.

Lower Wonga has secured support under the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme. The scheme provides long-term revenue certainty for new renewable generation projects and is designed to accelerate the rollout of additional capacity needed to support Australia’s energy transition and strengthen the National Electricity Market.

Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific at Lightsource bp, said the global power sector is entering a new phase in which renewable energy development is no longer only about building generation capacity. He said solar and storage are now among the lowest-cost sources of energy and are increasingly important in meeting demand from data centres, industrial users and the electrification of transport.

Pegg said Lower Wonga reflects this shift by combining scalable, low-cost solar generation with battery storage that can shift electricity to periods of higher demand. He added that this combination strengthens grid flexibility, reliability and the energy security value of renewable power, while enabling customers to benefit from predictable long-term energy costs.

A joint venture between INTEC Energy Solutions and Gotion Hi-Tech Australia has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction partner for the project. The partners will bring experience in delivering utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure to support construction of the solar and battery development.

At peak construction, Lower Wonga is expected to support around 400 to 500 jobs, while also creating opportunities for local businesses, contractors and suppliers where possible. The project is expected to become operational in late 2028.

Lower Wonga forms part of Lightsource bp’s expanding solar and energy storage portfolio across the Asia-Pacific region. It is the company’s second solar and battery hybrid project to begin construction in Australia and reflects its growing focus on developments that combine renewable generation and storage in a single project. Lightsource bp currently has more than 9.5GW of solar, wind and storage projects in development across Asia-Pacific.

Media Contact:

press@lightsourcebp.com

SOURCE: Lightsource bp