Australia: Lightsource bp advances its first solar and storage hybrid project, demonstrating the future of renewable energy solutions

Lightsource bp has commenced delivery on a 49 MW/562 MWh, long-duration DC-coupled battery energy storage system that will integrate with its 585MWdc Goulburn River solar farm near Merriwa, New South Wales.

Goulburn River is one of the first large-scale DC-coupled solar-battery hybrid projects to enter construction in Australia. By connecting the battery on the direct current (DC) side of the plant, it will share inverters, transformers and a single grid-connection with the solar array, reducing energy losses and shifting surplus daytime generation into the evening peak and overnight periods.

The hybrid project’s battery component is backed by a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) through the New South Wales Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, while the solar component is supported by the Commonwealth’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). These policy mechanisms provide long-term revenue certainty while accelerating renewable energy capacity into the National Electricity Market.

Located in a highly strategic position within the New South Wales grid, the Goulburn River development also includes plans for two additional co‑located battery energy storage systems beyond the current LTESA. One of these – a 450MW/1,370 MWh standalone battery – was announced this week as also having secured support under the Commonwealth’s CIS, reinforcing the role of large‑scale storage in enabling the lowest‑cost, reliable transition to dispatchable low‑carbon energy in line with the objectives of the CIS.

Adam Pegg, Chief Operating Officer for Asia-Pacific at Lightsource bp commented: “This is a pivotal milestone for Lightsource bp globally, marking the delivery of our first DC-coupled battery and reflecting the outstanding work of our team. Reaching this stage on the Goulburn River battery is much more than a construction milestone – it shows how firmed renewables have moved from concept to a critical component of Australia’s energy future.

“This project also demonstrates why international capital is flowing to Australia. Energy policy certainty and tools like NSW’s Roadmap and the Commonwealth’s CIS provide investors the confidence they need, while our technology choices maximise every renewable electron possible. That means more jobs, helping to reduce power bills and a grid that can meet booming demand from data centres, electrified transport and advanced manufacturing.

“By demonstrating that long-duration storage can firm solar generation, we can cover the peak periods and enable coal to retire on or ahead of schedule.”

Goulburn River forms part of an 8GW pipeline that Lightsource bp is progressing across Australia and New Zealand. Many of these projects combine large-scale generation with storage to deliver low-carbon electricity when households and businesses need it most, supporting regional jobs and strengthening local supply chains. Among these projects is the 850MWdc Sandy Creek Solar Farm, along with a co-located 700MW/1,400MWh battery in New South Wales. Both have secured Access Rights within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, and the solar farm also benefits from additional support through the Commonwealth’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).

Lightsource bp is also progressing similar hybrid projects across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, demonstrating how firmed renewables can replace retiring coal capacity while meeting rising demand from electric vehicles, critical-minerals processing, green hydrogen, data centres and other energy-intensive industries. As these projects progress, Lightsource bp is seeking new partnerships and opportunities with organisations interested in reliable, low-carbon energy supply.

DT Infrastructure will deliver engineering, procurement and construction services for both Goulburn River assets, with CHINT supplying the battery technology and providing long-term operations and maintenance. Construction on the solar farm and interconnection began in late 2024, and the battery now joins the build programme, with assets scheduled for energisation by late 2026.

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Discover more about Goulburn River, one of Australia’s first large-scale solar-battery hybrid projects.