Wedoany.com Report on Mar 13th, Octopus Energy Australia's Blind Creek solar battery project in Bungendore, New South Wales, has officially broken ground. The project combines a 300 MW solar farm with a 243 MW / 486 MWh battery energy storage system. It captures solar energy during the day and discharges power during evening peak demand, providing stable renewable energy, enhancing grid reliability, and supplying clean, dispatchable power as aging coal-fired power stations retire.
The project will connect to the main transmission line between Sydney and Canberra via a new substation and is expected to be fully operational by 2028. At peak construction, it will create approximately 300 full-time equivalent jobs, with half coming from the local Bungendore and Monaro regions. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated: "This is a critical project needed to replace our state's aging energy infrastructure, helping to keep the lights on, lower costs, and support regional community development. The Blind Creek project is creating local jobs and delivering alternative energy that families and businesses rely on."
The project has secured backing from global capital, including investments from Australian superannuation funds Hostplus and Rest, the Commonwealth's Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Westpac's private banking arm, and Dutch pension giant APG. This demonstrates confidence in Octopus Energy Australia's strategy and the New South Wales investment environment. The company's CEO, Sam Reynolds, added: "When global capital, Australian superannuation, and regional farming families come together under stable policy, we can deliver real infrastructure, clean power, and jobs. Our strategy is to combine long-term capital with regional communities to deliver bankable projects."
The Blind Creek solar battery project is partnering with local sheep farmers to combine agriculture with energy production, securing the future of properties and communities. The solar farm is designed to allow animal production to continue while expected to increase grazing capacity through wind protection, shade, and soil improvement. Construction is being led by EPC contractor GRS, with the battery energy storage system provided by Wärtsilä Energy Storage & Optimization, highlighting regional collaboration and sustainable development.
