Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 2, Wärtsilä has secured a contract to deliver Australia’s largest DC-coupled hybrid battery energy storage system, marking its second project of this type in the country. Once operational, the system will have the capacity to power up to 120,000 homes and businesses, supporting the National Electricity Market and advancing Australia’s renewable energy targets. The order will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.

DC-coupled systems directly link solar generation and batteries through a DC/DC converter, reducing energy losses and capturing solar power that would otherwise be curtailed. This configuration improves efficiency, enhances grid stability, and strengthens the economics of hybrid renewable plants.

The project has already secured Generator Performance Standards approval, an essential milestone for large-scale hybrid systems. Wärtsilä will provide long-term operational support under a 20-year service agreement.

“This project is significantly larger than our earlier DC-coupled project, underscoring the need for this type of technology in expanding at scale,” said David Hebert, vice president of global sales management at Wärtsilä Energy Storage. “DC-coupled technology is a breakthrough for hybrid renewable plants and a critical step towards establishing a financially viable renewable energy future.”

Wärtsilä’s GEMS intelligent controls platform will manage the integration of the battery and solar assets with the grid, ensuring optimal power dispatch and compliance with connection requirements.

The project will be Wärtsilä’s ninth battery storage site in Australia, bringing the local portfolio to 1.5GW/5.5GWh. The system is expected to enter operation in 2028 and contribute toward Australia’s 2045 net-zero emissions target.

This milestone highlights the increasing role of hybrid battery systems in supporting renewable energy adoption and enhancing grid reliability. By linking solar generation directly with storage, the DC-coupled approach maximizes clean energy utilization while reducing curtailment, positioning Australia for more efficient and resilient renewable power deployment.

The project reflects Wärtsilä’s ongoing commitment to innovation in energy storage technology, expanding its footprint in the Australian market, and delivering large-scale solutions to meet the country’s growing electricity demand from clean energy sources.