Australia: Potentia gains consent for 1GWh solar hybrid as Fluence delivers to 600MWh battery storage site
The approval carries no conditions under the EPBC Act, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle for the development.
The Tallawang project represents a major addition to the state’s Central West Orana REZ, featuring a 500MW solar PV power plant paired with a 500MW/1000MWh DC-coupled energy storage system and associated infrastructure.
Federal consent follows the New South Wales state approval received by the project in October, marking another step toward the commencement of construction. The project forms part of Potentia Energy’s broader renewable energy portfolio development across Australia, which has expanded following the company’s acquisition of a 1.2GW renewable energy portfolio.
The Central West Orana REZ has emerged as a critical component of New South Wales’ renewable energy transition, with EnergyCo granting access rights for 7.15GW of renewables and energy storage across the zone.
The rise of DC-coupled battery storage systems could also prove critical to the success of the country’s utility-scale solar PV fleet. In a recent interview with ESN Premium, Neha Sinha, product manager for energy storage systems at Wärtsilä Energy Storage, believes there is a necessity for co-located battery storage to address emerging market challenges and maximise system potential.
Fluence equipment arrives at Ampyr Australia’s 600MWh Bulabul Battery
In other news, Fluence has commenced delivery of Gridstack battery energy storage equipment to Ampyr Australia’s Bulabul Battery project site near Wellington, New South Wales.
The equipment delivery marks a construction milestone for the 300MW/600MWh battery storage system.
The Bulabul Battery project represents one of the largest battery installations under development in New South Wales, with its 600MWh capacity providing substantial grid support and renewable energy integration capabilities for the region.
Ampyr Australia began construction on the project following extensive development and approval processes. It is also located in the Central-West Orana REZ.
Fluence’s Gridstack technology serves as the core battery storage platform for the Bulabul project, delivering grid-scale energy storage capabilities specifically designed for utility applications.
The company stated that the modular cube design enables efficient installation and commissioning processes, while providing the flexibility to scale capacity as needed.
Ampyr Australia has emphasised community engagement throughout the project development, including the implementation of an Aboriginal equity model that provides ongoing economic benefits to local Indigenous communities.