Bulli Creek is a large-scale solar park and battery storage development in Queensland, Australia. It is being developed by Genex Power that is now partnered with Japanese utility J-Power. Bulli Creek is co-located on a site about 125 km south-west of Toowoomba, near Millmerran. The first phase, or Stage 1 as often referred to as, is a 775 MW solar farm. On the other hand, the broader project, referred to as the ‘energy park’ is planned to eventually deliver up to 2 GW of solar and large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS).
Contractor Appointed for Stage One of Bulli Creek Solar Park in Australia
Reported February 2, 2024 – The preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the 450MW plus 1st stage of Bulli Creek solar park, has been appointed. The contractor, PCL Construction, was appointed by Genex Power Limited following an extensive tender process.
PCL is a group of independent construction companies with footprints across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, and Australia. Genex, on the other hand, is an ASX-listed company whose focus is developing a portfolio of renewable energy generation and storage projects across Australia.
The two companies have already entered into an early contractor involvement agreement. However, details about the full-scope EPC contract will be agreed later this year.
Stage One Development
The 1st stage of Bulli Creek Solar Park will be installed in Queensland’s Western Downs region.
Upon completion, it will have the capacity to generate between 450 MW and 775 MW of electricity. A 25-year power purchase agreement has already been signed for the project with Fortescue. Fortescue is a global metal mining and green energy company. Until July 2023, its focus was on iron ore mining under the name Fortescue Metals Group. The company also recently completed its first battery storage installation at Pilbara in a 4-5 GWh rollout to further support its mining operations.
As per the PPA, 337.5MW generated by the 1st stage of Bulli Creek Solar Park will be supplied to the iron ore giant’s planned green hydrogen and green ammonia facility on Gibson Island. Genex and its partners are reportedly working towards a final investment decision (FID) on the project by the second half of 2024.
Reportedly, Genex has also begun the tender process for the first battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of up to 400MW/1,600MWh. This will be one of the largest BESS facilities in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Bulli Creek Solar Park, the Biggest Solar and Battery Storage Complex in Australia
Bulli Creek Solar Park, which the aforementioned is a part of, is the biggest solar and battery storage complex project in Australia with a planned capacity of up to 2,000MW.
The multi-stage development project is developed by Genex Power in partnership with Electric Power Development (J-POWER). Solar Choice is a co-developer. Formerly known as Denpatsu, J-POWER is an electric utility headquartered in Japan that mainly produces electricity from coal and hydroelectric power stations. Solar Choice, on the other hand, is a family-owned company that specializes in German-made solar power systems.
The Bulli Creek Solar Park project will be built on a 5,000-hectare piece of land in Queensland, Australia. This site is approximately 4 kilometres from the Powerlink Queensland Bulli Creek 330kV substation. This is the connection point for the Queensland-NSW Interconnector.
Features of the Bulli Creek Solar Park
Reportedly the biggest solar and battery storage complex in Australia will also include an array of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. These will be arranged in a grid pattern of 10 meters spacing between each row and 5 meters above ground. The PV modules will also be supported by a steel and/or aluminum mounting structure that includes framing, pylons and foundations.
The solar array will also feature a series of inverters and kiosk transformers. On the other hand, PV arrays, associated monitoring and protection equipment and central inverters will be connected through an underground or frame-secured cabling network.
Lastly, network interconnection facilities will be connected to the project to either or both of the 330kV and 132kV distribution systems. This will be via an overhead feeder line to the Bulli Creek substation or a new terminal on site.
Project Timeline
Mid-Late 2024: Genex and J-Power secure offtake agreement with Stanwell for 550 MW from Stage 1.
End-2024: Final investment decision for Stage 1.
Early 2025: Start construction for Stage 1.
2025: Procurement packages opened. PCL Construction also appointed as EPC contractor for Stage 1. Orders active for modules, foundations, logistics and grid interconnection components. Worker camp housing for construction workforce also approved.
2026 through 2027: Build-out of site infrastructure including foundations, module installation, substation and grid connection works.
2027: Commercial operation of 775 MW Stage 1 solar capacity expected.
2027 Onward: Potential expansion of solar or addition battery storage.
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