Renewable energy provider Neoen has started construction of its new Culcairn Battery project in New South Wales, awarding the major contract to utility-scale storage specialist NHOA Energy.
The 215-megawatt / 963-megawatt-hour big battery will be installed directly behind-the-meter at Neoen’s recently inaugurated 440-megawatt-peak Culcairn Solar Farm.
The placement creates a landmark hybrid facility where the battery can absorb and store clean electricity directly from the solar field before sending it into the power grid.
NHOA Energy will deliver the project under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, partnering with a joint venture comprising Equans Solar & Storage and Bouygues Construction Australia.
The agreement strengthens the long-standing commercial relationship between Neoen and NHOA Energy in Australia. It follows the successful delivery of the 238.5-megawatt Blyth Battery in South Australia, which NHOA successfully commissioned for Neoen.
Jean-Christophe Cheylus, CEO of Neoen Australia-Pacific, expressed excitement over launching construction on the company’s first co-located, behind-the-meter battery asset in Australia.
“This is our second major project with NHOA Energy, and we look forward to delivering more storage capacity to support grid stability in New South Wales,” Cheylus said.
“This achievement comes only a few weeks after Neoen inaugurated the Culcairn Solar Farm and showcases the pace at which our team consistently develops and delivers high-quality assets to accelerate the energy transition.”
Adrian Marziano, Vice President Australia & Pacific of NHOA Energy, said the repeat contract reflected deep corporate trust.
He noted that the company was proud to help Neoen unlock greater commercial value from the state’s natural resources through advanced multi-technology control systems.
Once complete, the hybrid storage system is designed to respond to Australia’s rapidly changing energy landscape, enhancing the financial performance of the solar asset while improving overall reliability across the National Electricity Market.