New procurement and work packages have been announced by Genex Power and Canada’s PCL Construction for the first stage of the 775 MW Bulli Creek solar farm in Queensland. This marks a significant milestone in the progress of the project. The site will host over 1.5 million bifacial solar modules, 204,000 steel foundation piles, and 232 integrated power skids with inverters, MV transformers, and switchgear. The complex includes a substation with four main 250 MVA transformers, linked by a 3.5 km, 330 kV dual-circuit overhead line to the Powerlink switchyard. In other words, this is engineering on a colossal scale, preparing the groundwork for what may become the largest solar facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
Local Suppliers Set to Shine
Importantly, Genex and PCL are keen to underline local value. They have invited trade contractors and suppliers to register an EOI through ICN Gateway, ensuring that regional firms get “full, fair, and reasonable opportunities” to participate. Since Genex is now wholly owned by J-Power, the company emphasizes that the project supports Australian industry participation, especially from businesses close to the site. With up to 800 construction jobs, including roles in a dedicated workers’ camp near Millmerran, the ripple effects are expected to boost local economies and services.
Clean Energy in Phases
This 775 MW Stage 1 forms part of the massive 2GW Bulli Creek Clean Energy Park spanning 5,000 hectares. It is located about 120 km south-west of Toowoomba. Once the solar array is operational, the plan is to add a battery storage system of up to 600 MW/2,400 MWh, followed by potential expansions of solar and storage capacity. Furthermore, stage 1 is backed by a 15-year offtake with state-owned Stanwell, locking in up to 550 MW of generated power, which strengthens the project’s financial viability.
Also Read UK Approves 140 MW Oaklands Farm Solar Park in South Derbyshire
Timeline & What’s Next
Looking ahead, Genex aims for a final investment decision by late 2025, with construction slated to kick off in early 2026. The workers’ accommodation has also been approved, allowing for up to 400 onsite residents, aiding logistics for construction crews. Once operational, the solar farm will power around 260,000 homes annually, cementing its status as a clean-energy anchor for the region. In sum, this is a project that weaves together big-picture green goals, local enterprise, and long-term regional uplift.
Bulli Creek Solar Farm Project Overview
Name: Bulli Creek Clean Energy Park (Stage 1: 775 MW Solar Farm)
Location: 45 km south-west of Millmerran, 125 km south‑west of Toowoomba, Queensland; covers, 5,000 ha
Developers: Genex Power (now wholly owned by J‑Power) with EPC contractor PCL Construction
Technical Scope & Infrastructure
Stage 1 Scope:
775 MW solar farm, Australia’s largest grid‑connected solar farm on completion
Over 1.5 million bifacial PV modules, 204,000 steel pile foundations
232 integrated inverter/transformer skids; substation featuring four 250 MVA main transformers
Energy transmission via 3.5 km of 330 kV dual-circuit overhead line to Powerlink switchyard
Future Expansion:
Planned battery energy storage (Stage 2) up to 400–600 MW capacity (1,600–2,400 MWh)
Further solar/storage expansion envisaged to reach full project capacity of up to 2 GW
Offtake & Financial Structure
Offtake Agreement:
15-year PPA with Queensland Govt-owned Stanwell for up to 550 MW of Stage 1 output
Project Financing:
Around A$1 billion (US $632 million) in project finance secured from a consortium including China Construction Bank, CEFC, DBS, Deutsche Bank, and others
Timeline & Employment Impact
Milestones:
Development approvals, land acquisition, preliminary engineering, and PPA setup completed
Final investment decision targeted for late 2025 (originally late 2024)
Construction & Workforce:
On-site work begins early 2025; operations expected in H2 2027
800 construction jobs; camp accommodating 400–800 workers approved near Millmerran
Local procurement emphasized; community and supplier engagement via ICN Platform
Strategic & Community Context
Regional & Policy Goals:
Contributes to Queensland’s renewables target: 70% by 2032, 80% by 2035
Local economic uplift through workforce housing, energy rebates, funding for public spaces, and school contributions
Future Vision:
Fully integrated solar + battery park reaching up to 2 GW
Strengthens grid stability, supports thermal plant phase‑outs, and accelerates Queensland’s transition to clean energy
