Global Power Generation (GPG) Naturgy Group has officially launched Western Australia’s first large-scale hybrid solar and energy storage project, the Cunderdin facility. The project, which combines 229,500 solar panels and a 55MW/220MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), marks a significant step in the region’s renewable energy transition.
The solar plant, with a photovoltaic capacity of 128MW, is designed to provide up to four hours of continuous energy supply during periods without sunlight. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate enough energy to meet the annual consumption of 51,000 households, while preventing the emission of 140,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
This week, GPG held an inauguration ceremony to celebrate the completion of the project, which represents the company’s first large-scale photovoltaic generation and battery storage project globally. The facility was developed with an investment of €172 million and provided employment equivalent to 100 full-time professionals during its construction.
Sam Barbaro, Chief Executive of Western Power, emphasized the importance of the project in advancing the region’s net-zero goals. “The energisation of the Cunderdin hybrid solar PV and energy storage project represents another milestone on WA’s net-zero journey,” Barbaro said. “This project has involved excellent collaboration and innovation between Western Power’s project team, GPG, and its contractors, and we’re proud to have assisted with the connection and commercial operation approval. Projects like this are important as we move towards a renewable future.”
The successful completion of the Cunderdin facility demonstrates significant progress in Western Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure and sets the stage for further development in the region’s clean energy sector.
