UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group, has been awarded the contract by Neoen and Tesla to construct the 164 MW / 905 MWh Muchea Battery project north-east of Perth, Western Australia.
Marking Neoen’s first six-hour long-duration storage asset, the Muchea Battery is designed to bolster WA’s energy reliability and support the state’s transition to renewable power.
The facility will house 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and incorporate a 132kV substation, high-voltage infrastructure, control and switchroom facilities, along with associated earthworks and footings.
Under the contract, UGL will deliver design and construction services, prepare the site for installation and connection of the battery units, and provide testing and commissioning support once infrastructure is in place.
The project follows UGL’s recent completion of Neoen’s 341 MW / 1,363 MWh Collie Battery 2, which began operating four months ahead of schedule.
ACS Group and HOCHTIEF Chief Executive Officer and CIMIC Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaría said: “The contract to help build Neoen’s Muchea Battery is another milestone in our commitment to enabling Australia’s energy transition.
“CIMIC and ACS Group are strategically focused on building the infrastructure that underpins a low-carbon future – from renewable generation and storage to transmission and advanced technology.
“Our work with Neoen and Tesla reflects the trust placed in our capabilities and our shared ambition to accelerate clean energy outcomes.”
UGL Managing Director Doug Moss said: “UGL is pleased to add this significant project to our expanding portfolio of energy infrastructure across Australia.
“Muchea Battery will be our ninth battery installation project and our sixth one for Neoen and in partnership with Tesla.
“We’re supporting the energy transition through high-voltage transmission upgrades, regional electricity fortification, and the delivery of firming assets that strengthen the grid.”
UGL has delivered 19 major renewable generation and storage projects nationally, including five flagship big batteries for Neoen: the Victorian Big Battery, Western Downs Battery 1, Collie Battery 1 and 2, and Western Downs Battery 2, which is now under construction.
Construction at the Muchea site will commence in October 2025, with completion scheduled for 2027.
