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Wärtsilä to Power Octopus Australia’s Fulham Solar Project with 64MW Energy Storage
Finnish technology group Wärtsilä will supply a 64MW/128MWh energy storage system for Octopus Australia‘s Fulham solar battery hybrid project, marking a significant advancement in Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure. The project, one of the first large-scale direct current (DC)-coupled hybrid battery systems in Australia, combines a substantial 128MWh DC-coupled battery with an 80MW alternating current solar farm, showcasing a crucial step towards integrated renewable power and storage solutions.
Fulham Project Secures Key Approvals, Highlights Renewable Integration
The Fulham initiative achieved generator performance standards (GPS) approval in June 2024, demonstrating the increasing trend of integrating renewable energy with energy storage to strengthen grid stability. This project represents Wärtsilä’s inaugural collaboration with Octopus Australia, a division of Octopus Group, and underscores the effectiveness of DC-coupled technology on a large scale.
GEMS Technology Facilitates Seamless System Integration
Obtaining GPS approval was vital for the successful design and validation of this innovative system, with Wärtsilä’s GEMS power plant controller (PPC) technology playing a pivotal role. Wärtsilä’s GEMS software will oversee the integration of the energy storage system and solar assets, aligning with stringent grid connection requirements.
Optimized Energy Management and Grid Compliance
The GEMS hybrid PPC guarantees synchronization between the solar farm and storage system, executing intelligent power regulation and optimized energy management operations. This ensures the project adheres to grid standards, manages battery charging and discharging effectively, and maximizes overall project efficiency and value.
Advanced Energy Storage Technology and Project Timeline
The project will deploy Wärtsilä’s quantum high energy storage technology, recognized for its sophisticated safety features and elevated energy density. Construction is currently underway, with project completion anticipated in 2027. Wärtsilä will also provide a long-term service agreement to guarantee sustained performance and reliability of the system.
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Groundbreaking Ceremony and Continued Expansion in South Australia
On April 9, 2025, Wärtsilä representatives, along with officials from the Victorian state government, Octopus Australia, and other stakeholders, participated in the ground-breaking ceremony at the Fulham project site.
In a related development, Wärtsilä secured a contract in October 2024 to deliver a 150MW battery energy storage system to Amp Energy in South Australia. This standalone system, featuring a 300MWh capacity, aims to enhance energy security and grid reliability in South Australia, which is increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources.
Bungama Battery Project and Wärtsilä’s Technology
The Bungama battery energy storage system project, presently in its initial phase, will also incorporate Wärtsilä’s quantum high-energy storage technology, further solidifying Wärtsilä’s commitment to advancing energy storage solutions in Australia.