Lightsource bp has launched two significant energy initiatives in Australia, featuring a large solar farm and a battery energy storage system to enhance renewable energy solutions.
Lightsource bp has initiated construction on two significant energy projects in Australia, marking a notable expansion of its project portfolio within the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The Goulburn River hybrid project and the Woolooga battery energy storage system (BESS) represent a strategic integration of solar power and battery technology aimed at providing reliable renewable energy solutions.
The Goulburn River solar farm, located near Merriwa in New South Wales, boasts a substantial capacity of 585 megawatts. This facility is poised to become one of the largest solar farms in the state, generating an estimated 1.3 terawatt hours of renewable energy each year. The energy produced is projected to power approximately 225,000 homes, contributing to a significant reduction in carbon emissions, saving around 910,000 tonnes annually. The project recently received recognition under the Australian government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), which is designed to stimulate investment in renewable energy and storage capabilities.
In addition to the Goulburn River solar farm, Lightsource bp is advancing the Woolooga BESS near Gympie in Queensland. This system is set to be co-located with the existing Woolooga solar farm and will comprise 128 battery units with a total storage capacity of 640 megawatt hours. The BESS is expected to support grid stability by storing excess energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak times. The Woolooga BESS is slated to become operational by mid-2026, with an export capacity of 222 megawatts.
Adam Pegg, the chief operating officer for Lightsource bp in APAC, remarked, “Australia is perfectly positioned to deliver on its energy transition, with abundant renewable resources that not only meet domestic needs but also offer significant potential for energy exports.” Pegg emphasised the viability of existing renewable technologies, stating, “While there’s ongoing debate about the role of nuclear, the reality is that we have solutions today for firmed renewables – wind and solar backed by batteries – which are already proving to be the most cost-effective and reliable energy solution.”
The commencement of these projects signifies the conclusion of a productive year for Lightsource bp, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy initiatives in Australia. Furthermore, the company is also embarking on its first solar projects in Taiwan and New Zealand, contributing an impressive combined total of 1.1 gigawatts of renewable capacity to the evolving energy landscape.
Pegg concluded, “These projects set a new benchmark for how we approach all future developments, demonstrating how market-driven innovation can deliver cost-effective solutions that meet growing energy demands. By embracing firmed renewables, we can build a modern energy grid that is cleaner, more resilient and capable of powering the nation’s growth, driving both economic progress and sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.”
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.energy-box.com/post/lightsource-bp-breaks-ground-on-585mwdc-goulburn-river-solar-farm-and-woolooga-bess-in-australia – Corroborates the initiation of the Goulburn River solar farm and Woolooga BESS projects, including their capacities and expected outcomes.
- https://lightsourcebp.com/us/project/goulburn-river-solar/ – Provides details on the Goulburn River solar farm, including its location, capacity, and the impact on renewable energy and carbon emissions.
- https://www.energy-box.com/post/lightsource-bp-breaks-ground-on-585mwdc-goulburn-river-solar-farm-and-woolooga-bess-in-australia – Supports the information about the Woolooga BESS, its storage capacity, and its role in grid stability.
- https://lightsourcebp.com/us/project/goulburn-river-solar/ – Confirms the Goulburn River project’s recognition under the Australian government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).
- https://international.austrade.gov.au/en/news-and-analysis/success-stories/lightsource-bp-to-become-australias-largest-solar-developer-and-owner – Provides context on Lightsource bp’s expansion in Australia and its commitment to renewable energy projects.
- https://www.energy-box.com/post/lightsource-bp-breaks-ground-on-585mwdc-goulburn-river-solar-farm-and-woolooga-bess-in-australia – Details the operational timeline for the Woolooga BESS, including its expected operational date by mid-2026.
- https://lightsourcebp.com/us/project/goulburn-river-solar/ – Describes the construction process and job creation associated with the Goulburn River solar farm project.
- https://international.austrade.gov.au/en/news-and-analysis/success-stories/lightsource-bp-to-become-australias-largest-solar-developer-and-owner – Quotes Adam Pegg on the viability of renewable technologies and Australia’s energy transition.
- https://www.energy-box.com/post/lightsource-bp-breaks-ground-on-585mwdc-goulburn-river-solar-farm-and-woolooga-bess-in-australia – Highlights Lightsource bp’s broader commitment to expanding renewable energy initiatives in Australia and beyond.
- https://lightsourcebp.com/us/project/goulburn-river-solar/ – Explains the integration of solar power and battery technology in the Goulburn River project.
- https://international.austrade.gov.au/en/news-and-analysis/success-stories/lightsource-bp-to-become-australias-largest-solar-developer-and-owner – Mentions Lightsource bp’s plans for solar projects in Taiwan and New Zealand, adding to their renewable capacity.
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