Australia: Lightsource bp begins construction on Lower Wonga solar and battery project as hybrid strategy gathers pace

Lightsource bp, a leading developer and manager of global utility-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions, has begun construction on its Lower Wonga solar farm and battery energy storage hybrid project in Queensland, marking progress of delivery for one of the most significant hybrid renewable energy developments in the company’s global portfolio.

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

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

In addition, Lightsource bp has signed a hybrid offtake agreement with Rio Tinto combining low‑cost solar generation with battery storage to deliver reliable renewable power. The agreement supports Rio Tinto’s renewable energy portfolio in Queensland and highlights the increasing role of integrated solar and storage projects in meeting the energy needs of large industrial customers. It also represents Lightsource bp’s approach to tailoring integrated energy solutions for customers, with hybrid offtake arrangements like this expected to serve as a blueprint for future projects.

The project has also secured support under the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). The scheme provides long term revenue certainty for new renewable generation projects while helping 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. It’s no longer just about building renewable generation – it’s about how solar and storage are now the lowest-cost sources of energy, to support growing demand from data centres, industry, and the electrification of transportation.

“Lower Wonga reflects that shift. Solar provides the lowest-cost scalable electricity, while battery storage allows that energy to be shifted to periods of higher demand, strengthening flexibility and reliability across the grid. Combining solar generation with storage strengthens the energy security value of renewable energy, enabling customers to benefit from long‑term, predictable energy costs over the life of the project.

“Australia is one of the most attractive renewable energy markets in the world, and developments like Lower Wonga demonstrate how solar and storage together can deliver reliable, low‑cost power at scale.”

A joint venture between INTEC Energy Solutions and Gotion Hi-Tech Australia has been appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction partner to deliver the project, bringing a strong track record of delivering utility-scale renewable energy infrastructure.

At peak construction, the project is expected to support around 400-500 jobs, alongside opportunities for local businesses, contractors, and suppliers where possible. The project is expected to be operational in late 2028.

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