NEM-first solar-battery hybrid project developer Potentia Energy has reached a major construction milestone in Australia. The company completed solar module installation at the Quorn Park hybrid facility in New South Wales.

The project represents a significant step in integrating solar generation with battery storage on the National Electricity Market (NEM). With a project cost of about $134 million, the development demonstrates how hybrid energy systems can strengthen grid reliability while accelerating Australia’s energy transition.

Construction milestone reached on NEM-first solar-battery hybrid project

Potentia Energy installed more than 161,000 solar modules at the Quorn Park hybrid energy project in central-west New South Wales. Consequently, the milestone marks substantial progress toward delivering one of Australia’s most advanced hybrid renewable facilities.

Construction partner Beon Energy Solutions installed the final solar panel after approximately six months of work on site. Moreover, the achievement confirms steady progress toward commissioning the facility.

The $134 million NEM-first solar-battery hybrid project sits roughly 10 km northwest of Parkes in the state’s renewable-rich central west region. Importantly, the development integrates solar generation and battery storage under a unified system.

Developers designed the project to combine an 80 MW solar farm with a 20 MW / 40 MWh battery energy storage system. Therefore, the hybrid configuration enables solar electricity generated during the day to be stored and dispatched later during evening demand peaks.

As a result, the facility will supply approximately 200 GWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power around 45,000 homes in New South Wales.

Why the NEM-first solar-battery hybrid project matters

The NEM-first solar-battery hybrid project introduces a new operational model for Australia’s main electricity grid. Specifically, the solar farm and battery share one grid connection under a single Generator Performance Standard (GPS).

Traditionally, solar plants and batteries connect separately to the grid. However, the Quorn Park project integrates both technologies through a unified connection point. Consequently, the battery can store solar output efficiently and deliver power during periods of high demand.

Developers expect this architecture to enhance grid flexibility and reliability. Moreover, the hybrid design supports stable renewable generation while reducing curtailment during peak solar production.

In addition, the facility demonstrates how hybrid infrastructure can support Australia’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. Therefore, the project offers a template for future solar-plus-storage developments across the country.

Commissioning progress and expected operations

Following module installation, Potentia Energy has advanced the project into its commissioning and testing phase. Engineers are currently conducting electrical validation, grid compliance checks, and performance testing.

Meanwhile, project teams continue installing and integrating battery systems and balance-of-plant infrastructure. As a result, developers expect the hybrid facility to move toward operational readiness in the coming months.

Full commercial operations are anticipated in the final quarter of 2026. Once operational, the project will deliver reliable renewable energy while supporting peak-period electricity supply across New South Wales.

Furthermore, the project benefits from a long-term power purchase agreement with Zen Energy, a South Australia-based renewable energy retailer. Under the agreement, Zen Energy will purchase the majority of the electricity generated at the facility.

Potentia expands renewable energy portfolio in Australia

Potentia Energy continues to expand its renewable footprint across Australia. The company operates several solar farms and wind projects while advancing new hybrid developments.

The company itself is a joint venture between Italy-based Enel Group and Japan’s Inpex Corporation. Together, the partners focus on developing large-scale renewable energy assets across Australia.

Potentia currently holds a development pipeline exceeding 7 GW of renewable energy capacity nationwide. These projects include solar farms, battery storage systems, wind developments, and hybrid power plants.

In addition, the developer recently secured approximately $551 million in financing to support a broader renewable portfolio exceeding 600 MW of generation capacity.

Consequently, the Quorn Park hybrid project forms a key component of the company’s strategy to deploy integrated renewable technologies.

Large-scale solar developments continue to reshape power markets as developers integrate new renewable generation into national grids. A notable example is the Western Downs Green Power Hub, one of Australia’s largest solar projects delivering clean electricity to industrial and commercial users.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: Quorn Park Solar Hybrid Project

Location: Approximately 10 km northwest of Parkes, New South Wales, Australia

Project Cost: Approximately $134 million

Project Type: Utility-scale solar and battery hybrid power plant

Installed Solar Capacity: 80 MW

Battery Storage Capacity: 20 MW / 40 MWh

Solar Modules Installed: Over 161,000 modules

Annual Electricity Generation: About 200 GWh

Homes Powered: Approximately 45,000 households

Grid Connection: Single connection under Generator Performance Standard (GPS) within the National Electricity Market

Power Purchase Agreement: Long-term PPA with Zen Energy

Construction Start: Late 2024

Current Status: Construction milestone achieved; commissioning underway

Expected Full Operation: Q4 2026

Technology: Solar photovoltaic generation integrated with lithium-ion battery energy storage

Project Significance: First hybrid solar-battery project connected to Australia’s NEM with a single connection point

NEM-first solar-battery hybrid project: Project Team

Project Developer and Owner: Potentia Energy

Shareholders:

• Enel Group (Italy)
• Inpex Corporation (Japan)

Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC): Beon Energy Solutions

Battery Storage Technology Provider: Battery energy storage system suppliers integrated during project commissioning phase

Power Off-taker: Zen Energy (Long-term PPA partner)

Grid Operator: National Electricity Market (NEM) / Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

Regulatory Authority: New South Wales Government – State Significant Development approval

Financing Support: Consortium of Australian and international financial institutions supporting Potentia’s renewable portfolio

Community and Regional Stakeholders: Parkes Shire Council and local communities in central-west New South Wales