News Synopsis
Australia-based renewable energy developer, Octopus Australia has begun construction of the Blind Creek 300 MW solar Form with a 243 MW / 486 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Bungendore, New South Wales (NSW). It involves a total investment of AUD 900 million (~USD 595 million).
The facility is located near Bungendore in the state of NSW and connects to the transmission network through a new substation linked to the electricity corridor between Sydney and Canberra. The connection infrastructure enables the project to deliver firmed renewable electricity and support system reliability as the electricity network integrates a larger share of variable generation sources.
Finnish technology group, Wärtsilä Energy Storage supplies the batteries for the project and Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities for the project are being carried out by Spain’s Gransolar Group unit GRS. Construction is expected to create up to 300 full-time equivalent jobs at peak activity.
The Blind Creek project has secured investment from Hostplus, Rest, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Westpac Private Bank and Dutch pension investor APG, supporting Octopus Australia’s development in NSW.
The project was initiated in collaboration with local sheep farmers to integrate energy production with existing agricultural operations. The solar array layout has been designed to allow continued grazing activity on the site. Partial shading, wind protection and soil moisture retention under solar panels are expected to support grazing conditions within the project area.
The Blind Creek Solar Farm and Battery project is scheduled to reach full commercial operation in 2028. Once operational, the facility will add both solar generation capacity and battery storage capability to the New South Wales electricity system, enabling energy produced during daytime solar generation to be delivered during peak demand periods.
NSW Premier Chris Minns attended the groundbreaking ceremony and emphasized that the Blind Creek project is part of efforts to replace ageing energy infrastructure in NSW while maintaining electricity supply and managing costs. He added that the project is expected to create regional employment and provide additional electricity capacity for households and businesses.
Sam Reynolds, CEO of Octopus Australia said the project combines institutional capital, Australian superannuation funding and regional landholder participation under established policy settings to deliver electricity infrastructure and jobs. He added that Octopus Australia’s approach focuses on linking long-term capital with regional communities through bankable energy projects.