UGL, a subsidiary of the CIMIC Group, has been selected to design and construct Stage 2 of the Western Downs Battery in Queensland for Neoen.

This project involves the installation of a 270 MW / 540 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the necessary high-voltage infrastructure to connect it to the grid at Neoen’s Western Downs Green Power Hub.

The BESS will comprise 140 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and is anticipated to commence operations in 2026.

Currently, UGL is working on Stage 1 of the Western Downs Battery, which is of the same capacity and is expected to be operational later this year.

Once completed, both stages will operate in conjunction with Neoen’s 460 MWp Western Downs solar farm, facilitating the transmission of stored energy into the electricity network.

CIMIC Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria emphasised the importance of the project, stating: “With greater capacity, Western Downs Battery will have an even more crucial role in Queensland’s rapidly accelerating energy transition, as the state strives to reach 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035.

“We’re excited to further contribute to what will be Queensland’s most powerful battery and the Queensland SuperGrid via the second stage of works.”

UGL Managing Director Doug Moss highlighted UGL’s leadership in renewable energy projects, noting their extensive experience in constructing solar farms and large-scale batteries.

He expressed enthusiasm for continuing their collaboration with Neoen and Tesla on this fifth BESS installation.

The project is set to begin in the coming weeks, with the goal of starting operations by 2026.

This initiative underscores CIMIC Group’s commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable energy solutions that align with Queensland’s energy transition goals.